Dance and diplomacy: US envoy Eric Garcetti celebrates Diwali with Bollywood flair | India news

US Envoy Eric Garcetti (ANI photo)

NEW DELHI: US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcettishowed off his dancing skills once again on American Embassy‘s Diwali celebrations on Wednesday, delighting attendees as he reached the popular Bollywood the song “Tauba Tauba” from the movie “Bad Newz” which has actors Vicky Kaushal and Tripti Dimri.
In a video shared by ANI on X, Garcetti, 53, sported a brown kurta and stylish shades as he danced to the chartbuster.

This is not the first time Garcetti has hit the dance floor during Diwali celebrations. Last year, he entertained guests with a spirited performance to the iconic song “Chaiyya Chaiyya”, originally released in 1998 and featuring Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora.
In the middle of the festivities at the embassy The White House also hosted a Diwali event recognizing the great contributions of Indian Americans to the relationship between the United States and India. Ambassador Garcetti praised the occasion and emphasized the importance of Diwali and the invaluable role of Indian Americans.
He wrote on X: “What a beautiful celebration of Diwali at the @WhiteHouse! As we celebrate the journey of light, we also honor the invaluable contributions of Indian Americans who deepen the #USIndia bond.” He added, “From New Delhi to DC, may the lights of Diwali illuminate every corner of the world and spread the message of peace and prosperity. #CelebrateWithUS #HappyDiwali.”

This year marks Joe and Jill Biden’s last Diwali celebration at the White House as President and First Lady.
The official White House account shared photos from the festivities with the caption, “Happy Diwali from the White House! Together, may we show the power of gathering lights.”

During the event, President Biden addressed attendees and highlighted the impact of the South Asian American community on American society. “The South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life. Yours is the fastest growing and most engaged community in the world… Now Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly in the White House,” he said.
Biden also spoke about the challenges facing American democracy, acknowledging the debates that arise in a diverse society.
Emphasizing the importance of unity, he said: “This is not my house; this is your house… Today we face a turning point… Every few generations we are reminded not to take the idea of America for granted. American democracy has never been easy. In a country as diverse as ours, we debate, we disagree…but the key is to never lose sight of how we got here and why.”