Bollywood rebuffed at White House state dinner

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Although, about 105 Indians or Americans of Indian descent and their relatives were on the 338 person guest list, Bollywood was rebuffed with not a single name from India's film industry appearing on this list.

CJ: Correspondent

Sat, Nov 28, 2009 13:25:53 IST

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INDO-AMERICANS have applauded US President Barack Obama's efforts to honour India, in his first state dinner, held at the White House in Washington DC on Tuesday, November 24.

Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) on Saturday, November 28, said that it was a presidential acknowledgement and appreciation of the world’s largest democracy. It has also showcased growing ties between two great nations.

Although, about 105 Indians or Americans of Indian descent and their relatives were on the 338 person guest list, Bollywood was rebuffed with not a single name from India’s film industry appearing on this list. On the other hand, many Hollywood celebrities were invited to the occasion.

These Hollywood celebrities included Oscar winner producer-director Steven Spielberg, Oscar nominated producer Jeffrey Katzenberg and his wife Marilyn Katzenberg, Oscar nominated filmmaker-screenwriter M Night Shyamalan and his wife Bhavna Shyamalan, Oscar nominated actress Alfre Woodard, Golden Globe nominated actor Blair E Underwood, MTV nominated actor Kalpenn Modi, producer David Geffen, actor Jeremy Lingvall and actress Gayle King.

Though Oscar winner AR Rahman and his troupe performed at the dinner, his name did not appear on the guest list.

Presidential state dinners, whose tradition goes back to 1874, are highly esteemed.