MELBOURNE, 21 August, 2024: Telugu & Indian global movie king Ram Charan’s entry on 17 August at the Federation Square, the heart of Melbourne, was worth waiting and dramatic. It had been raining since morning laced with chilly winds & the true believers were there with their umbrellas up to have a glimpse of their favourite Ram Charan, famous for Naatu Naatu from RRR, the world over. As I entered the place from the Flinders Street station side with a friend, the rain gods came down and we took shelter nearby.
Because Ram Charan was to unfurl the Indian tricolour, in a belated Independence Day ceremony, I was not surprised at the delay. Near the main stage on a side were IFFM volunteers gearing up for Ram Charan to enter and move towards the barricaded flag hoisting site. The crowd was getting tense but the positive aspect was that the rain was withering away, though the clouds were still dark. Looked the stage was set for the days event.
I moved back near Ram Charan’s entry place taking a position to get an exclusive entry photo, and I got it. The bearded-short Telugu movie stalwart made a dramatic entry, as I clicked him from my iphone 12 proMax. Ram Charan, Mitu Bhowmick Lange, Dr Sushil Kumar, and a few others moved ahead and the tricolour was unfurled. This was followed by India’s national anthem and he was on stage with Mitu.
But before that there were many selfies with fans and someone said he was good at that. I remembered the selfie, I had with Shah Rukh Khan. This was no less and the fans, no doubt, must have been happy to be with their movie star and clicking a selfie. And, that also by him.
He then addressed the crowd and said seeing so many Indians in Australia and Melbourne had made him happy. He added that the Indian Diaspora will play a positive role for India and Australia. He also recalled his visit here 12 years back when he was here for a movie shoot.
He posing for photos on the stage with the ODI World Cup (courtesy Cricket Australia) with Mitu Bhowmick Lange and Julian Hill MP, member for Bruce and Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs with him was an highlight of the day.
The rain had stopped, as if for Ram Charan to be with fans and well-wishers. It was momentous occasion at the start of the IFFM 2024, as he and the Indian Diaspora united in shared spirits to commemorate India’s Independence day.
The diversity among fans deeply visible at the Federation Square was incredible, a reflection of Australia’s multicultural ethos.
It was time for me to gear up for the IFFM 2024 Dance Competition, next on the days agenda.
