One can always trust Madame Mallika Sherawat to do something that's worthy enough of being national headlines. Right from the time she entered Bollywood, till date, anything and everything she does becomes iconic statements!
This time round, she added yet another feather in her already overloaded cap by being the first Bollywood star to be bestowed with an Honorary Citizenship and Official Resolution by the City of Los Angeles.
Mallika Sherawat received the prestigious honor in front of members of the entertainment industry, friends, family and fans during a ceremony at Los Angeles City Hall on the eve of the Indian Independence Day.
In the City Hall Council Chambers, Councilmember Jose Huizar presented Mallika with the said honour.
Mallika accepted the Resolution, which was signed by the Mayor and all City Council members, before giving an inspiring speech to numerous rounds of applause throughout the hall.
In her profound speech of thanksgiving and acceptance, an emotional Mallika said that she is deeply, and humbly, grateful for this grand honor, in addition to thanking the Councilmember Huizar, Mayor Villaragosa, Mayor Riordan, and all the City Council.
Excerpts from Mallika's speech-
Thank you. I am deeply, and humbly, grateful for this grand honor.
And a very special thank you to Councilmember Huizar, Mayor Villaragosa, Mayor Riordan, and all the City Council. And to my friends, family and fans who are here today, sharing this Recognition with me- on such an auspicious day, the eve before we celebrate Indian Independence Day.
As the first Indian Bollywood actor to receive this Recognition, I proudly accept it in honor of my home country, mother India, and my beloved Bollywood, the world's largest film industry.
May our two countries continue their special friendship, and our two film industries Bollywood and Hollywood continue this new wave of collaboration, and make great art and entertainment, throughout the world, and for all peoples.
And as a new "NRI" (that's non-Resident Indian!), I dedicate this to all the millions of NRIs who came before me. I hope to follow in their footsteps, and continue the great tradition exemplified by Indians around the world.
I am deeply touched, and eternally thankful for this acknowledgment.
Jai Ho, Los Angeles!
In a packed media room after the ceremony, Mallika answered questions from reporters, signed autographs for fans and took pictures with her guests and with city politicians. After the City Hall event, Mallika was hosted for brunch in an historic downtown Los Angeles area.
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