WASHINGTON, DC: The flavour of India was all over the White House as the renowned a cappella group Penn Masala performed Bollywood songs in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welcome ceremony today.
The University of Pennsylvania students captivated the audience with their renditions of popular tracks, including Chaiyya Chaiyya from the 1998 film ‘Dil Se..’ starring Shah Rukh Khan and Jashn e Bahaaraa from the 2008 historical drama ‘Jodha Akbar’ featuring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
The performance took place on the South Lawns of the White House, where an estimated crowd of 2,000 to 3,000 people had gathered to witness the ceremonial welcome of Prime Minister Modi.
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A cappella music refers to a type of performance where singers or singing groups showcase their vocal skills without any musical instruments accompanying them. It can also describe a musical composition specifically created to be performed in this unaccompanied style.
In addition to the Bollywood songs, Penn Masala also delighted the audience with a rendition of the popular Coldplay song Viva La Vida from their 2008 album of the same name.
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Penn Masala, formed in the 1990s by University of Pennsylvania students who grew up listening to Bollywood classics, is known for its unique compositions and harmonies that blend Eastern and Western musical traditions.
Over the years, they have performed at various prestigious venues worldwide, including the IIFA Awards and the Hollywood film and soundtrack for ‘Pitch Perfect 2’, which won the American Music Award for Best Soundtrack in 2015.
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The a cappella group, along with American violinist and conductor Joshua Bell, has also been invited to the entertainment segment of the State dinner held in honour of PM Modi.
PM Modi’s visit to the United States includes bilateral talks with President Joe Biden and an address to a joint session of the US Congress. The performance by Penn Masala adds a cultural touch to the events surrounding the visit and highlights the significance of music in fostering connections between different cultures.