Donald Trump Lauds Bollywood With Special Mention For DDLJ And Sholay (Photo Credit: Twitter)
New Delhi:
US President Donald Trump has finally landed in India along with First Lady Melania Trump, daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Trump has kicked off his first India visit from Gujarat. After visiting the Sabarmati Ashram, Trump addressed the 'Namaste Trump' event at the Motera Stadium. More than one lakh people have gathered at the Sardar Patel Stadium for the event. During his speech, Trump lauded the Bollywood industry and mentioned classic films like DDLJ and Sholay.
''All over the planet people take great joy in watching Bollywood films, bhangra, and classic films like DDLJ and Sholay,'' he said. Trump also lauded the Indian Cinema for its capacity of producing over 2000 movies in a year.
US President Donald Trump: All over the planet people take great joy in watching Bollywood films, bhangra, and classic films like DDLJ and Sholay. You cheer on great cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/CHvedzlXQh
— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2020
Ahead of his India visit, the American President had lauded Bollywood's latest release, gay rom-com 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan'.
He had had tweeted ''Great'' to a social media post which praised the Ayushmann Khurrana starrer. Previously he had also said that he was looking forward to being with his "great friends" in India, replying to a video which showcased his face being superimposed on the hit movie-character of Baahubali.
Great! https://t.co/eDf8ltInmH
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2020
Meanwhile, Trump also praised PM Modi and listed achievements of his government. He also talked about the history of India-US relationship, and invoked Swami Vivekananda. ''Five months ago, US welcomed your PM at a giant football stadium, and you welcomed us at the world’s largest cricket stadium. Thank you for spectacular welcome. We will always remember this remarkable hospitality forever,'' said Trump. India will hold a very special place in our hearts from this day on, said Trump, adding that Modi worked at a cafeteria when he was young. ''Everybody loves him, but let me tell you, he is very tough.''
After spending the first leg of his visit in Gujarat, Trump will head to Agra as part of his 36-hour whirlwind India tour. After a 75-minute flight, the Trumps are expected to reach the Taj Mahal at 5.15 pm. They will spend close to an hour at the 17th century monument before Air Force One takes off again for New Delhi at 6.45 pm. After being given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan at 10 am on Tuesday, Trump will travel to Rajghat to lay a wreath at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. At 11 am, he will go to Hyderabad House for restricted and delegation-level talks with Modi. Trump will also meet President Ram Nath Kovind, who will host a banquet for the president before he flies out of India at 10 pm on Tuesday.
(With Agency Inputs)
