Himani Sanagaram
CHICAGO: The Indian American Association Chicago (IAA) along with Hyderabad association celebrated India’s 72nd Independence Day at the Shalimar Banquets in Addison on Aug 25.
Chief Guest was famous Indian film actress Preity Zinta. She is also the co- owner of Kings XI Punjab Cricket Team. “Thank you so much for having me here,” said the bubbly actress. Zinta, dressed in bright orange parallels, said that she was amazed to see that Indian culture was so alive and omnipresent in all Indians she met in Chicago.
The function began with both Indian and American national anthems.
Zinta’s upcoming movie is “Bhaiyyaji Superhit”. She has given Hindi movie hits like “Soldier”, “Salaam Namaste”, “Veer Zara”, “Dil Se”, “Kal Ho Naa Ho”, and “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna”. Pakistani and Agha Khani members were also present. Bharti Desai, a renowned singer, was emcee for this show. She is also vice-president of Indian American Association and program coordinator for the Independence Day celebration. Other emcees were Afshan and Ajeaz Hashmi.
IAA President Nawab Mir Hamid Ali Hamid Khan said that IAA is a secular organization that admits people of all religions. “We’ll help friends of IAA achieve their American dream of liberty and pursuit of happiness.”
Stressing on helping the different ethnic South Asian communities in Chicagoland, Khan said that there was a need to keep the culture alive.
Others present were Board Commissioner of Streamwood Park District Rae Raees Yawer, FIA Chicago 1980 member Iftekhar Shareef and Bhavesh Patel of Saahil Clothing. Patriotic dances were performed by Madhura of Nritya Natya Dance Academy and Gauri Jog Dance Academy. There was a fashion show conducted by Shirley Kalvakota. There were booths selling Indian clothes – chaniacholis and perfumes and cosmetics.
Rajeshwari Chandrasekaran from Indian Consulate, FIA Chicago 1980 president Sanhita Agnihotri, Bhailal Patel and Iftekhar Shareef were also present.
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