Modi uses Bollywood hit to describe India-Indonesia ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invoked the popularity of Bollywood film 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' in Indonesia to describe the warmth between the two countries, saying India-Indonesia ties could go far beyond 'kuch kuch' and lead to 'bahut kuch'. Addressing the Indian diaspora during his three-day visit to Indonesia, PM Modi said he had noticed the popularity of the Bollywood song in the country and had mentioned it to President Prabowo Subianto.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo for his words. Excellency, you are a true friend of India. Thank you for being here. I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to me by the people of Indonesia; words fall short to describe it... I saw a clear reflection of love, respect, and a deep sense of connection towards India on every face," PM Modi said.

"I noticed that the Bollywood song 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' is very popular here. Today, I told President Prabowo that when India and Indonesia move forward together, it goes far beyond just ‘kuch kuch’; it leads to ‘bahut kuch’...," he added.

PM Modi, in his speech, also spoke about Indonesia’s passion for football, linking his visits to the country with FIFA World Cup years. "Football fever is sweeping the world these days. Here in Indonesia, too, the passion for football is immense, and it is evident that you have all brought that same energy and enthusiasm with you here," PM Modi said. He recalled that his earlier visits in Indonesia had also coincided with World Cup years.

Indonesia President Subianto, who also addressed the diaspora, struck a light-hearted note while speaking about his own connection with India. He said that before his state visit to India, he had undergone a genome sequencing test and found that he had Indian DNA.

"Just before my state visit to India, I had done the genome sequencing test and I found out that I had Indian DNA," he said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

"So whenever I hear Indian music, I find my body moving... Today at the state banquet, I cannot help; my ministers and generals they all like to dance and sing. Maybe most of them have Indian DNA also... It’s true. Most of my ministers sing Indian songs really well," he added.

During the visit, Subianto conferred the ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ Medal of Honour on Modi in recognition of his role in strengthening India-Indonesia friendship.