Eric Garcetti, the 26th United States Ambassador to India, recently met with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan during his visit to Mumbai. Garcetti, who assumed office on May 11, 2023, shared his experience on social media, expressing his fascination with Bollywood and its global cultural impact. In a lighthearted tweet, he even joked about making his Bollywood debut.
During their meeting at Shah Rukh Khan’s residence, ‘Mannat,’ Garcetti and the actor engaged in a discussion about the film industry in Mumbai and the significant influence of Hollywood and Bollywood worldwide. The ambassador expressed his admiration for Bollywood’s massive cultural reach and expressed a desire to learn more about the industry.
Garcetti’s tweet included photos of their meeting, showcasing their camaraderie. In one picture, Garcetti posed alongside Shah Rukh Khan, while in another, he held a yellow football, joined by Shah Rukh’s manager, Pooja Dadlani, and his wife, Gauri Khan. Shah Rukh Khan, known for his iconic roles in Hindi cinema, appeared stylish in a full-sleeve black t-shirt, black pants, and a golf cap.
The ambassador’s visit to Mumbai followed his trip to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where he received a warm welcome from locals, who greeted him with garlands. Garcetti embraced Indian traditions by greeting people with the customary “Namaste.”
Before his Mumbai visit, on May 11, Eric Garcetti, along with the envoys of Qatar and the Principality of Monaco, presented their credentials to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. The event marked the official recognition of Garcetti as the U.S. Ambassador to India.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan release highlighted the credential acceptance ceremony, stating that President Droupadi Murmu accepted the credentials from the Ambassadors of the United States of America, Qatar, and Monaco.
Eric Garcetti’s interactions with Shah Rukh Khan and his visit to significant cultural landmarks in India demonstrate his commitment to strengthening the ties between the United States and India. As the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador, he is likely to engage in various diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing cooperation, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.
