Randhir Kapoor, Raima Sen, Rahul Mittra, Rahul Rawail & Co headed to Vietnam, here’s why – Exclusive – Times of India

In line with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement where he reiterated the importance of Vietnam as key to India’s Act East policy, the people of Vietnam are all set to be mesmerised by the fragrance of India as the first ever Namaste Vietnam Festival is scheduled to be held in Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang from August 12-21, 2022. Rahul Mittra, Randhir Kapoor, Raima Sen, Kumar Mangat, Rahul Rawail, Umesh Shukla will inaugurate the Namaste Vietnam Festival. ‘Torbaaz’ producer Mittra will be leading the delegation, which will also have Kumar Mangat, Shree Narayan Singh, Mikhil Musale, Rajesh Mapuskar, Chandrakant Singh, Kiran Kumar Koneru, Nitin Tej Ahuja. Avika Gor, Soma Laishram, Himakshi Kalita, Sulakhyana Baruah and film and lifestyle journalists Komal Nahta & Ruchika Mehta. The book on the Showman of India, ‘Raj Kapoor: The Master at Work’, will also be released.

The Festival will be a part of the celebrations of 75 years of Indian Independence – Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav as well as it will mark the 50th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between India and Vietnam. It will be organised by the Indian Embassy, Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City & Innovations India. Indian Ambassador H.E. Pranay Verma and Consul General of India Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi will be hosting this coveted occasion, curated by Captain Rahul Bali who has been successfully curating Festivals of India across the globe.

The mega event will have activities ranging from events, workshops and meets pertaining to culture, trade, investment, education, healthcare and tourism. The proposed events apart from reconnecting the entrepreneurs of both sides post COVID to explore business opportunities in different sectors will also create an awareness about India’s diverse culture. Says Mittra, “It is expected to become a great networking platform to foster dialogue for bilateral relations between both the countries to boost tourism, trade, art, culture, music and films.”

Adds Mitra, “I’ve been supporting cinema by going to smaller countries- Poland Budapest Hungary Norway. I feel that it’s these countries that need more exposure to Indian cinema. Vietnam has been on the bucket list of a lot of people. PM Modi announced that Vietnam is the key to look east policy. That’s when I thought a full scale festival of India in Vietnam should be ideal. Amongst all forms of diplomacy, I feel that cultural diplomacy is the most effective and there’s no bigger power than Indian films. It’s a 10 day festival. We would be hosted at the India House , the consul general’s home on the first day , followed by the opening which will also entail a cultural programme highlighting the rich diversity of India, apart from a fusion fashion show by Indian designers. We would also be shown important filming sights and locations for future shoots and then on August 15, we shall all participate in the Independence Day function and the unfurling of the flag ..what an honour that would be. We look forward to our trip to Vietnam.”