Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Pooja Hegde added a touch of glamour, warmth and patriotism to New York’s India Day Parade as she joined thousands of members of the Indian diaspora in celebrating the country’s Independence Day. The actor attended the 44th annual India Day Parade as the Guest of Honour. For Hegde, the occasion was more than a public appearance. She described it as a deeply emotional experience, especially seeing the Indian community come together thousands of miles away from home.
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The parade, organised by the Federation of Indian Associations, brought Indian culture and heritage to the streets of Manhattan. Dressed in an elegant traditional outfit, Hegde proudly waved the Indian tricolour as crowds cheered along the route. Her presence added a star attraction to an event already filled with music, dance, traditional dhol beats and colourful cultural performances. Sharing moments from the celebration, Hegde expressed her gratitude for being chosen as the Guest of Honour. She thanked the Federation of Indian Associations and New York officials for organising the event and said participating in the celebration was a privilege she would remember for a long time.
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One of the most memorable moments came when Hegde joined in the celebrations with her trademark energy. During the parade, she danced to the popular song “Butta Bomma” as fans watched and cheered. When a fan performed the song’s signature dance step, Hegde joined him, turning the moment into a spontaneous and lively interaction with the crowd. She also posed for photographs with members of the New York Police Department, including an officer from its Counterterrorism Bureau. Her pictures holding the national flag quickly captured the spirit of the occasion.
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The India Day Parade is among the biggest celebrations of Indian Independence Day outside the country. It brings together members of the diaspora, public figures, cultural groups and community leaders, highlighting India’s growing global presence. For Hegde, being part of such a major celebration was also a reflection of her connection to her roots. From her early days as a pageant finalist to becoming a familiar face in Indian cinema, her appearance at the parade marked another significant moment in her journey.
On the professional front, Hegde was most recently seen in Jana Nayagan, alongside Vijay and directed by H Vinoth. The film reportedly crossed ₹300 crore worldwide and is scheduled to premiere on ZEE5 on August 21. Her upcoming projects include Kanchana 4, directed by Raghava Lawrence, and Sri Sri, which also stars Dulquer Salmaan. Meanwhile, her appearance in New York offered a different kind of spotlight, one centred not on cinema, but on culture, community and national pride.
