In a heartwarming moment of cultural connection, an Indonesian delegation sang the iconic Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ during a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday. The banquet was held in honor of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is on his first state visit to India.
The delegation, which included senior Indonesian ministers, serenaded the gathering with the title track from the 1998 Bollywood blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The song, originally composed by Jatin-Lalit and sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik, remains a beloved classic across the globe. The film, directed by Karan Johar and starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji, was a massive hit in both India and overseas, solidifying its place in the hearts of millions.
President Prabowo Subianto’s visit underscores the growing partnership between India and Indonesia. He will be the Chief Guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, further cementing the warm ties between the two nations.
A highlight of the celebrations will be a performance by Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member band from Indonesia’s Military Academy (Akmil). The ensemble embodies military discipline, tradition, and values, symbolizing the spirit of the academy and adding a unique touch to the Republic Day festivities.
Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Subianto at Hyderabad House in Delhi. The leaders discussed strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on key areas such as defence, security, the maritime domain, economic cooperation, and people-to-people connections.
President Subianto’s visit and the cultural showcase at Rashtrapati Bhavan highlight the deepening relationship between India and Indonesia, where cultural diplomacy plays a significant role in fostering mutual understanding and goodwill.
