Indonesian President humorously claims 'Indian DNA' during state banquet

Subianto, seated with PM Modi and VP Dhankhar, shared humorous moments and highlighted Indonesia's love for Indian cinema at Rashtrapati Bhavan's state dinner.
In this image released by President's Office on Jan. 25, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto during a meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi.
In this image released by President's Office on Jan. 25, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto during a meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi. PTI
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NEW DELHI: At the state banquet hosted in his honour last night, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the chief guest at the Republic Day was at his humorous best as a painting framing history on the walls of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and a popular Bollywood number, Kuch Kuch Hota Hei stole the show.

Seated between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the state dinner hosted by The President of India Droupadi Murmu, Subianto said that a few days ago he “had done his genetic sequencing test, the DNA test” and found that he was an “Indian,” eliciting laughter from the dignitaries around.

“Everyone knows that I dance when I hear Indian music,” the President said. Indonesian love for Indian film music was on display when some members of the Indonesian delegation took to the stage at Rashtrapati Bhavan to perform the song Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, creating a memorable moment that seamlessly blended diplomacy with entertainment.

The song, from the 1998 Bollywood film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, added a touch of fun and nostalgia to the evening.

The Indonesian delegation's performance quickly went viral on social media, generating a flurry of reactions. Actor Kajol, who stars in the original Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, shared the video on her own profile, captioning it: “Bollywood’s power to unite shines again! The Indonesian delegation singing Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is such a heartwarming tribute. Truly honoured!”

Indian films were first introduced to Indonesia in 1945 by the allied armies, as entertainment for Indian troops following Indonesia’s declaration of

independence. Since then, Bollywood has been a beloved part of Indonesia’s popular entertainment, starting with tars like Sunil Dutt and Raj Kapoor, a staple once on Indonesian TV. In 1998, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai became a massive hit, sparking a Bollywood craze, followed by the success of films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam, 3 Idiots, Taare Zameen Par, and Dangal.

The visit also highlighted the civilizational ties between India and Indonesia. President Murmu showed President Subianto a painting at Rashtrapati Bhavan depicting a historic moment: Indonesian President Sukarno and the First Lady of Indonesia attending the swearing-in of India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, during India’s first Republic Day.

In this image released by President's Office on Jan. 25, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto during a meeting at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi.
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