Bollywood Failed To Make It To The US State Dinner

Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 16:02

Indo-Americans have applauded US President Barack Obama for honoring India in his first state dinner held at White House in Washington DC November 24.

Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada, USA, said that it was a presidential acknowledgment of appreciation of world's largest democracy. It showcased the growing ties between two great nations.

About 105 Indians or Americans of Indian descent and their relatives were on the 338 membered guest list. Bollywood was totally rebuffed with not a single name from the Indian film industry. However, many Hollywood names showed up on this list.

Hollywood celebrities which appeared on the guest list included Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and his wife Marilyn Katzenberg and many more.

Though Oscar winner A.R. 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.