Trump invokes Bollywood during rally, mentions DDLJ and Sholay

AHMEDABAD: US President Donald Trump on Monday mentioned Bollywood films during his address at the ‘Namaste Trump’ event in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

During his speech on India-US relationship, the US President remarked how cultural exchange between the two nations was important, and also named two Bollywood blockbusters.

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“Indians and Americans are always striving to be greater. Our people are always seeking to be better. So our nations have become thriving centres of culture, commerce and civilisations giving light and vitality to all of the world,” the US President said.

Trump also lauded the Indian cinema for its capacity of producing over 2000 movies in a year.

He added, “This is the country that produces nearly 2000 movies a year from the hub of genius and creativity known as Bollywood. All over the planet people take great joy in scenes of bhangra, music, dance, romance and drama and classic Indian films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge (DDLJ) and Sholay.”

Trump’s mention of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer DDLJ (1995) and Amitabh Bachchan-Dharmendra’s Sholay (1975) was met with loud cheers at the event.

Earlier in the day, Donald Trump and wife Melania Trump visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad where peace icon Mahathma Gandhi stayed. They visit the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, before flying to New Delhi for diplomatic meetings.

This is US President Donald Trump’s maiden trip to India ever since he assumed office. The ‘Namaste Trump’ event is based on the lines of the ‘Howdy Modi’ programme that was addressed by Narendra Modi in Houston last year.