US Ambassador Eric Garcetti’s recent revelation about his encounter with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has garnered attention and sparked curiosity. Garcetti shared that his office staff initially found it hard to believe his claim of meeting Khan at his Mumbai residence, Mannat, during his early days in India. The former mayor of Los Angeles, who assumed the role of US envoy to India last year, admitted being unaware of Khan’s immense love and adoration across the country.
During a conversation with ANI, Garcetti recalled discussing cricket with Khan, a cricket team owner, during their meeting. The ambassador’s office staff was shocked by the news, expressing their excitement and astonishment at the encounter. Garcetti admitted that he underestimated the level of affection and admiration the Indian populace has for the Bollywood icon.
The ambassador emphasized the significance of such interactions in his role, highlighting the importance of connecting with people beyond just policy matters. He expressed enthusiasm for experiencing facets of Indian culture like Bollywood, cricket, and food. Garcetti emphasized the people-to-people aspect of the India-US relationship, aiming to strengthen the bond and foster cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Garcetti’s meeting with Shah Rukh Khan occurred in May of the previous year at the actor’s opulent residence, ‘Mannat,’ in Mumbai. The ambassador shared pictures from the meeting, emphasizing the cultural impact of both Hollywood and Bollywood on a global scale.
Appointed by the Biden administration, Eric Garcetti serves as the 26th US ambassador to India, a role he embraces enthusiastically and desires to deepen the ties between the two countries.
