CHICAGO: The Al Capone fame city of Chicago has well outlived its past and is known more now for cultural and economic cohesion and development rather than crime and punishment. And there could not be a better demonstration or proof of this change than it getting the distinction of being the first city outside India to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema, now more famously known as Bollywood
The lead is taken by a diminutive business entrepreneur and showman Saiyed Monty who with his Vibrant Media Group and with support from Studio Elite, Ravani & Mohindra, Attorneys at Law and Amedcoa Dental announcing here in the presence of some well known elected Chicagoland officials and business elite to host three days of crossed entertainment to celebrate this event.
The celebrations from August 31 to September 1 at Sears Center Arena in Hoffman Estates, a northwest suburb of Chicago, will bring in a weekend of music, fashion, and culture of India and from India, said Saiyed Monty in a talk to this paper. The announcement of the event was made during a grand launch held at Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows and it was emceed by Yukta Mookhey, an Indian model and actress and a yester year Miss World . She was introduced by Abhia Khan who also welcomed the guests. Yukta, who did her job quite gracefully, has featured in several Bollywood movies and engages herself in social and charitable causes.
One of the most recognizable presences was that of Fred Crespo, State Representative 44th District State of Illinois who in his brief address observed that Monty Saiyed and Vibrant Media need to be applauded for organizing the “100 Years of Bollywood” and the “India-U.S. Business Summit” events in Illinois. “This is a great opportunity for the State to celebrate a milestone in Indian culture, and for Illinoisans to participate in a once in a lifetime event. With over 225,000 South Asians calling the Chicago land area home, it is only fitting that an event of this magnitude be held in our great State.”
The launch also saw playback singer Krishna Beura in attendance extending his support for the event. Beura is a playback singer known for his hit songs “Maula Mere” from Chak De India, “Soniyo” from Raaz-2 and “Rabba” from Musafir among others.
Monty Saiyed said “It is truly an honor to recognize icons from the Indian film fraternity that have contributed to making the industry what it is today. We are very happy to host the first ever event exclusively celebrating 100 Years of Bollywood!”
Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said “The Village (of Hoffman Estates) is excited at the prospect of hosting 100 Years of Bollywood at the Sears Center Arena. An event of this caliber would truly be a celebration of the Indian culture that comprises a significant part of our vibrant and dynamic community.” Dave Parulo, President of Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau said “We would welcome and showcase our Chicago Northwest region to the international and domestic visitors during the upcoming India-US Business Summit and the 100th Year Celebration of Bollywood”
Detailing the 100 Years of Bollywood celebrations spanning over Labor Day weekend from August 30-September 1, Monty said that it would cover:
August 30: A precursor event, a US-India Business Summit, is being planned to merge trade and culture to connect business and economic development leaders of India and Illinois.
August 31: An extravagant musical concert featuring leading playback singers Usha Mangeshkar, Krishna Beura and more from the Bollywood Industry mesmerizing audiences with a musical journey from 1913 to the present, and an exclusive fashion show by Studio Elite at the Sears Center Arena.
September 1: Power-packed performances by Katrina Kaif, Ranveer Singh and more leading Bollywood celebrities choreographed by Prabhu Deva at the Sears Center Arena. The event will culminate with a live award ceremony honoring Bollywood legends.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service
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