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Newsmakers of the Week NOVEMBER 06, 2026 | The Indian Eye 30

NEWSMAKERS OF THE WEEK

Selected stories about Indian diaspora from our website www.theindianeye.com

RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI RANBIR KAPOOR

US Congressman introduces Film cast attends LA premiere

resolution for July as ‘Indian of ‘Ramayana: Part 1’

American Heritage Month’

ashington, DC: US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has intro-
duced a bipartisan resolution, backed by 256 cosponsors, honouring
Wthe contributions of Indian Americans and supporting the designa-
tion of July as ‘Indian American Heritage Month’. os Angeles, CA: Director Nitesh Tiwari’s much-anticipated cinematic
According to a press release issued by Krishnamoorthi’s office on Monday epic, Ramayana: Part 1, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash,
(local time), the resolution recognises the contributions of more than 5.2 mil- Lwas showcased at a grand premiere in Los Angeles.
lion Indian Americans to the United States across fields including science and The star-studded event brought together the film’s leading cast and
medicine, technology and business, public service and the military, education, crew, alongside several renowned Hollywood dignitaries. The premiere was
philanthropy, arts and culture, and athletics. held at the David Geffen Theatre inside the Academy Museum of Motion
“Indian Americans have helped shape this country for generations, from Pictures.
breakthroughs that have saved lives and businesses that have created jobs to In several pictures shared by the film’s team, Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai
lifetimes of service in our military and public office,” Congressman Krishna- Pallavi, director Nitesh Tiwari, and producer Namit Malhotra are seen posing
moorthi said. “I’m proud to lead 256 of my colleagues in designating July as for the shutterbugs, flashing cheerful smiles and exuding excitement at the
Indian American Heritage Month to honor that legacy and celebrate the many grand premiere. Ranbir looked dapper in a silver bandhgala suit paired with
ways Indian Americans continue to enrich our country,” he added. black trousers, while Sai Pallavi looked stunning in an elegant pink saree.
The proposed resolution, submitted by Krishnamoorthi in the US House Yash was accompanied by his wife.
of Representatives during the second session of the 119th Congress, has been
referred to a House committee for consideration, according to the resolution. ‘Ramayana’ features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pal-
The resolution notes that, according to estimates published by the US Cen-
sus Bureau in 2023, more than 5.2 million people in the United States identify lavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and
as Indian American. It highlights the community’s historical and cultural roots, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.Directed by Tiwari and produced by
noting that Indian Americans trace their roots to “a civilization more than 5,000
years old” and have brought to the United States “a rich legacy of art, literature, Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with 8-time
philosophy, science, and democratic traditions”. Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the
The proposed designation of July commemorates the signing of the Luce-
Celler Act by then US President Harry S.Truman on July 2, 1946. The legisla- film is envisioned as a two-part epic.
tion made people of Indian descent eligible for naturalisation as US citizens.
The resolution also recognises the religious diversity of Indian Americans, Part 1 of the film will release worldwide on November 5 2026, followed by
stating that they represent “a wide range of faith traditions that strengthen the Part 2 in Diwali 2027. The film will release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada
Nation’s cultural and spiritual fabric”. and Malayalam across India and will be presented in IMAX. Sony Pictures is
Highlighting their public service, the resolution notes that Indian Amer- distributing the film globally, excluding India, while Dharma Productions will
icans “have served with distinction at all levels of government and public ser- distribute it in the Hindi-speaking market.
vice, including in every branch of the United States Armed Forces”. Continued on next page... >>

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