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Chicago desis mark Valentine’s with Bollywood music night
The program also included a remembrance for the victims of the Pulwama terror attack on its anniversary.
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Staff Reporter - Mon, 23, Feb 2026
- 14:56 EST
- 20
Participants at the Valentine’s Day program / Courtesy: Asian Media USA
The Indian American community in Chicago gathered Feb. 14 at Maharaj Banquets in Franklin Park, Illinois, for “Valentine’s Vibes—Dil Me Ho Tum,” a musical evening centered on romance and live entertainment.
The Valentine’s Day program combined Bollywood classics, dance performances, and a remembrance of the Pulwama attack anniversary.
ALSO READ: Virginia Durga Temple hosts Valentine’s Musical Hangama
The event hosted by Chinmayi Bhatt-Desai opened with a famous Bollywood dialogue from the film 'Silsila,': “Main aur meri tanhayi, aksar yeh baatein karte hain… tum hoti to kaisa hota…” The dialogue set a reflective tone as the audience settled in for a night centered on romance and nostalgia through Hindi film music.
Fifteen-year-old Shubham Thakkar performed on keyboard, presenting songs including 'Moh Moh Ke Dhage,' 'Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin,' and 'Bulleya.'
Vocalists Swapnil Sahu and Anu Gupta followed with medleys and duets such as 'Tip Tip Barsa Paani,' 'Dil To Pagal Hai,' 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen,' 'Mere Khwabon Mein,' and 'Ladki Badi Anjaani.'
Romantic selections including 'Dil Mein Ho Tum,' 'Tu Meri Zindagi Hai,' 'Tu Shayar Hai,' 'Jhumka Gira Re,' 'Neele Neele Ambar,' 'Aisi Deewangi,' 'Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam,' 'Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai,' and 'Pehla Nasha' were also part of the setlist. Sahu additionally performed 'Meri Bechaini Ko,' 'Janam Janam,' and 'Muskurane Ki.'
More than 80 members of the Midwest Silver Club attended the event. Acknowledgments were extended to Sunil Shah, FIA founder and chairman; Radhika Chimata; Noor Tejani of Midwest Silver Club; Anu Gupta; Hetul Thakker; Maharaj Banquets; and guests and supporters.
In remarks shared during the evening, Suresh Bodiwala, chairman of Asian Media USA, reflected on the date’s dual significance: “As we reveled in the magic of ‘Dil Me Ho Tum,’ spreading love through song and dance on February 14th, our Indian hearts quietly carried a deeper echo. This very date, seven years ago in 2019, brought unspeakable sorrow with the Pulwama attack that claimed 40 brave CRPF lives in a cowardly act of terror."
"While the world celebrates romance, for us it remains a poignant reminder of sacrifice and resilience. How can we forget those heroes who gave everything for our tomorrow? On this special occasion, let our joy be mixed with solemn gratitude and heartfelt condolences to the families who still bear that pain. Their courage fuels our unity, never forgotten, forever honored," he added.
Following dinner, Radhika Chimata performed dance segments influenced by Bhangra Academy traditions. Anu Gupta concluded the performances with songs including 'Yeh Wada Raha,' 'Aisa Sama,' 'Sazaa-e-Ishq,' 'Mehboob Mere,' 'Mujhe Rang De,' and a disco medley.
Music throughout the evening was provided by Hitesh Master Orchestra, with Hitesh Master Nayak on keyboard, Raju Syed on guitar, Bobby Messy on conga and dholak, Kalyan Pathak on drums, Anand Master Nayak managing sound, Dinesh Patel as DJ, Gabriel handling lights, and Poornima Decorators designing the stage.
The raffle draw winners were Bharat and Gita Dhutia, as well as Mr. Burket and Monica Huda, who were announced during the program and acknowledged before the audience.
The evening was co-organized by Maharaj Banquets, represented by Sahail Khan and A. J. Singh, along with Anu Gupta. Event planning was led by Hitesh Master.
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