JEDDAH: The Indian Consulate in Jeddah hosted a grand cultural celebration titled “India Night” at the Park Hyatt Hotel, marking the deepening partnership between the Indian film industry and Saudi Arabia. Organized in connection with the Red Sea International Film Festival, the event brought together diplomats, leading film personalities, festival delegates, and media professionals from multiple countries.
The evening aimed to showcase the growth of Indian cinema and highlight the expanding opportunities for creative and cultural collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia.
Delivering the keynote address, Indian Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan said cinema is not merely a source of entertainment but a powerful platform capable of transcending language barriers and fostering cultural exchange. He noted that India’s cinematic ties with Saudi Arabia continue to strengthen bilateral relations and open doors for new collaborations in film production and related creative sectors.
Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri and acclaimed Bollywood filmmaker Muzaffar Ali Khan also addressed the gathering. Both speakers underscored cinema’s influential role in promoting people-to-people connections and emphasized the growing scope for artistic cooperation between the two nations.
A coffee-table book based on Muzaffar Ali Khan’s classic film Umrao Jaan was unveiled during the ceremony. The launch was attended by the Ambassador, the Consul General, Shruti Singh, Joint Secretary at India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Vice Chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce.
The evening featured captivating musical performances by renowned Hindi singer Shibani Kashyap and vocalist Aman Sabri, who entertained the audience with a vibrant blend of Bollywood classics and contemporary tracks.
Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan, senior diplomats, Red Sea Film Festival representatives, and cultural delegates from various nations were among those present.
India Night stood out as a significant platform to showcase India’s artistic excellence, promote cross-cultural dialogue, and further strengthen the growing partnership between India and Saudi Arabia through cinema.
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