Aftab to lead Chicago India Day Parade

Move over politicians! Bollywood seems to take over almost every public platform where Indians throng, and the latest addition is India’s forthcoming independence day parade. The platform is Chicago.

Bollywood actor Aftab Shivdasani will lead the India Day Parade on 18 Aug, in celebration of 66 years of India’s independence.

In a bid to attract NRIs living in Chicago, the event organisers,  the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) of Chicago, invite a celebrity each year, mostly from Bollywood.

The parade, which displays Indian culture, will be led by  Aftab down Devon Avenue, the epicenter of “Little India,” in the North-west suburb of Chicago, says a statement from the organisers.

The parade moves through more than 10 blocks and is usually attended by thousands of curious onlookers.

“I am proudly looking forward to leading the parade in Chicago,” says Aftab.  “Nothing is more satisfying than celebrating India’s Independence Day in America with Indian Americans.”

Ajai Aghinotri, FIA Chicago president and trustee Iftekhar Sharif worked to arrange Aftab’s participation.

“Aftab is a great performer and a very humble celebrity,” says Ajai.

Aftab has played a role in 40 Bollywood films and is currently working on the sequel of the hit movie “Masti.” The sequel, titled “Grand Masti,” brings back the blockbuster original cast: Aftab Shivdasani, Vivek Oberoi and Ritesh Deshmukh.