From a film, fashion and spirituality festival in California to chefs from India and Pakistan getting together in New York to unveiling of Aishwarya Rai’s wax statue at Madame Tussauds at Times Square, there is a new twist to India’s Independence Day celebrations in the United States this year. The Independence Day celebrations—India Splendor—began in Los Angeles on August 10. The festival opened with the screening of the film Chak De India.Organised by MGlobal Trust, in association with the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television, International Creative Management and ArtWallah, India Splendor has been called a “major celebration of the 60th anniversary of India’s independence in the United States”. The six-day festival, culminating with a live performance finale on August 15, intends to showcase the finest in contemporary Indian cinema, arts, fashion, dance, music and spirituality. “Our vision has been to bring all facets of Indian culture—including our booming film industry—to the US,” said Chairman of MCorp Global Bhupendra Kumar Modi. Former tennis star and veteran Hollywood film producer Ashok Amritraj is the cultural ambassador for India Splendor. The festival’s highlights include a special tribute to Indian film legend Raj Kapoor, a spiritual discourse by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and a fashion show by designer Suneet Verma. On August 15, prominent Indians, who have carved a name for themselves in their respective fields, will receive the India Splendor Awards in the midst of a dance and music extravaganza. In Manhattan, chefs from India and Pakistan will feature in an evening of food, music and dance. A huge buffet meal comprising more than 20 dishes will be prepared by chefs from local South Asian restaurants. Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai, whose wax figure will be unveiled at Madame Tussauds at Times Square on August 15, will perform with a troupe.
