New Delhi:

U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti recalled meeting Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan during his first weeks in India, saying everyone in his office was stunned when they learned he was meeting the actor. Crazy, I couldn’t believe it at first.

According to Mr. Garcetti, he was unaware of the love for Shah Rukh Khan across the country, and he eventually did so when people in his office asked him, “Oh, my God, do you know who you met?” Know this. ? “

“I think when I visited Shah Rukh Khan in the first few weeks here, we talked about cricket, of course, because he is a cricket owner. He owns part of the Los Angeles team. Everybody in my office Crazy,” Mr Garcetti told ANI.

“They were like, oh my gosh, you know who you met? I said, yeah, Shah Rukh Khan. But I didn’t realize how deep the love was across the country,” he recalled of the interaction Shi said. He had it with King Khan.

Mr. Garcetti emphasized that this is the joy of his job, which is not only about policy but also about people.

“It’s an amazing thing to see Bollywood, to see cricket, to see food. For me, that’s the way, that’s the joy of this job – not just the policy, but the people. Because eventually, people will come to “Whoever is a politician just leave. But if we understand each other, it will sustain us,” Mr. Garcetti said.

“This relationship is also an Indo-U.S. relationship, a people-to-people relationship. I hope I can bring more Indian people to the United States because I think the bridge from here to the United States is very strong. Indians really understand America People, everyone has a cousin or a friend…in America…” he added.

Notably, Garcetti met actor Shah Rukh Khan at his Mumbai residence ‘Mannat’ in May last year and discussed Bollywood and its “huge cultural impact” across the globe.

Mr. Garcetti shared his experience of visiting the Khan’s residence on the social media platform X (then Twitter).

The US envoy wrote: “Is it time for me to make my Bollywood debut? Had a great chat with superstar @iamsrk Mannat at his official residence to know more about the Mumbai film industry and discuss The huge cultural impact of Hollywood and Bollywood on a global scale.”

Apart from the interesting caption, Garcetti also shared a photo with SRK, in which he is seen posing in front of the camera.

Shah Rukh Khan went for a casual look in a full-sleeved black T-shirt, paired with black pants and a golf cap.

Mr. Garcetti presented his credentials to President Drupadi Murmu on May 11, 2023, at the Presidential Palace.

After President Drupadi Murmu accepted his credentials, Garcetti said in a video message: “The oldest and largest democracies in the world, two countries that firmly believe in the power of the people, will write great things together in the years to come. chapter.” Partnership is the key to a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific and beyond. “

“I am delighted to work with you to ensure we advance this defining relationship of the 21st century. Together we will address global health challenges, combat climate change and deliver the next generation of critical and emerging technologies to improve people’s lives. “Our People . I’m very excited to come to India, make this our new home, and work with you. Together we will show the world how the United States and India can work better together,” he said.

Mr. Garcetti expressed his gratitude to US President Joe Biden for appointing him as the 26th Ambassador to India.

Mr. Garcetti, the former mayor of Los Angeles, was sworn in as the United States Ambassador to India in March 2023 in the presence of US Vice President Kamala Harris.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)