A Multi-Cultural Festival

India Splendor

Los Angeles (2007)

India Splendor was a landmark cultural festival held in Beverly Hills in August 2007, celebrating the growing dialogue between India and the United States through film, art, fashion, spirituality and performance.

Held in Beverly Hills, California, in August 2007, the week-long festival showcased the richness of contemporary India through the interconnected themes of Entertainment, Enlightenment, and Enterprise. It highlighted India's enduring heritage, holistic traditions, technological innovation, and creative excellence, presenting a multifaceted portrait of a nation confidently engaging with the global stage.

India Splendor festival

Presented by the UCLA Film & Television Archive and MCorp Global, in association with ArtWallah and Habiart Foundation, India Splendor created a vibrant platform for dialogue and collaboration between the creative communities of Hollywood and Bollywood. The festival opened with a prestigious red-carpet gala and the world premiere of a highly anticipated Bollywood film at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) Theatre, culminating in a grand finale celebrating the 60th anniversary of India's Independence.

Throughout the festival, audiences experienced daily screenings of acclaimed Indian films, accompanied by interactive discussions with producers, directors, and leading actors, offering rare insights into the world's largest film industry.

Dancers perform at the India Spendor Closing Night Gala at Royce Hall on August 15, 2007 in Westwood, California.
(Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage)

Courtesy: Getty Images

Dr. Modi and Dean of UCLA's film department, Dr. Rosen present an award at the India Spendor Closing Night Gala at Royce Hall on August 15, 2007 in Westwood, California.
(Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage)

Courtesy: Getty Images

WESTWOOD, CA - AUGUST 15: Musicians perform at the India Spendor Closing Night Gala at Royce Hall on August 15, 2007 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage)

Courtesy: Getty Images

WESTWOOD, CA - AUGUST 15: Dr. Rosen (right), Dean of UCLA's film department presents an award at the India Spendor Closing Night Gala at Royce Hall on August 15, 2007 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/WireImage)

Courtesy: Getty Images

Festival Highlights

A Landmark Contemporary Art Collaboration

One of the defining moments of India Splendor was a collaborative live painting by four of India's leading contemporary artists—Bose Krishnamachari, C. Jagdish, S. Harshavardhana, and Shamshad Hussain. Together, they created a monumental canvas commemorating the 60th anniversary of India's Independence. Inspired by the colours of the Indian national flag, each artist contributed a distinctive visual language, symbolising the emergence of contemporary Indian art on the global stage.

An accompanying art workshop at the University of California, Los Angeles brought together artists across three generations. The workshop culminated in a special live presentation by the legendary M. F. Husain during the festival's cocktail reception. The artworks created during the workshop were subsequently exhibited at Royce Hall.

Fashion

Renowned Indian fashion designer Suneet Varma presented a spectacular runway show celebrating the elegance, craftsmanship, and contemporary spirit of Indian fashion.

Spiritual Dialogue

A special discourse by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explored India's timeless traditions of spirituality, holistic well-being, and cultural heritage, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the country's philosophical legacy.