London mayor Sadiq Khan arrived in Mumbai on Monday as part of his India visit. He met Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the two discussed ways to increase cooperation between Mumbai and London in various fields including public transport and medical tourism.
He also met business leaders to discuss the future of investment, trade and talent between London and Mumbai. He said India was the second biggest investor in the United Kingdom and both have a rich history.
Khan was the guest of honour at a party hosted by the Ambanis. The guest list read like a who's who of Mumbai - and some of the most exalted whos of Maximum City belong to Bollywood. Of these celebrated invitees, Mr Khan appeared particularly floored by Amitabh Bachchan. "Fantastic meeting the Godfather of Bollywood," Sadiq Khan tweeted with a picture of himself and the star who, at 74, is still one of India's busiest actors and an uber-celeb.
Fantastic meeting the godfather of Bollywood @SrBachchan in Mumbai tonight. #LondonIsOpen to Bollywood movies and their incredible talent. pic.twitter.com/cDkX5x3J4E
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) December 3, 2017
Amitabh Bachchan wasn't the only celebrity Sadiq Khan took pictures with at the Ambani party. He also waxed eloquent about acting legend Shah Rukh Khan, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and British-born Katrina Kaif who he claimed as one of the UK's own.
Wonderful meeting acting legend Shah Rukh Khan and creative industry leaders in Mumbai tonight. #LondonIsOpen is to talent, visitors, ideas and investment from India. pic.twitter.com/dVwiPkDWwj
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) December 3, 2017
An honour to meet cricketing legend - The Master @sachin_rt. Great to talk about my plans to make London the sporting capital of the world. #LondonIsOpen pic.twitter.com/2hi6zb8TQ7
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) December 3, 2017
What a night! Thank you to the Ambani family @karanjohar & @milinddeora for hosting an incredible evening with business & creative industry leaders to mark my trip to Mumbai. #LondonIsOpen 🇮🇳🎬🇮🇳🎬 pic.twitter.com/yhtIw4eVP8
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 3, 2017
Great to meet British Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif. Her success is yet another example of the deep connection between our two great cities and our booming film industries. #LondonIsOpen pic.twitter.com/Gar5UcKTuT
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) December 3, 2017
As the pictures show, Alia Bhatt was also at the party. Sridevi and husband Boney Kapoor were also on the list, as were Karisma Kapoor, Karan Johar, Sidharth Malhotra and Neha Dhupia.
Sadiq Khan met actor Ranbir Kapoor earlier in the day at a football-related event.
It’s an honour to support @QPRFC’s Talent Hunt and announce the first girls to win. They’ll come to London next year for a unique opportunity to train at this prestigious club. #LondonIsOpen pic.twitter.com/7DyjvXF6Ji
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) December 3, 2017
Fantastic day in Mumbai at the first-ever Mayor's Cup. Great to announce the first-ever girl winners of @QPRFC's Talent Hunt! #LondonIsOpen pic.twitter.com/vST7hR0hIC
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 3, 2017
Couldn't escape the ceremonial goal challenge here in Mumbai at the Mayor's Cup. #LondonIsOpen - and luckily so was this goal! ⚽ 🏆 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/S0XVCgSLas
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 3, 2017
Khan criticised the UK government's strict visa norms for holding back London's businesses. He said he was "lobbying" with the British government to revise the visa policy.
Khan also visited the memorial at the Taj Palace Hotel and paid his tributes to the victims of 26/11. He said that London will always stand with India.
Huge energy amongst the London tech companies who have joined me in Mumbai to help forge new commercial links. #LondonIsOpen for investment, talent and ideas. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/01iqMWwZmF
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 3, 2017
Gandhi's commitment to non-violent protest in the face of oppression, injustice and hatred is still a source of inspiration to millions. Visiting @GandhiInMumbai is a memory I will always cherish. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/cnW33pa2M9
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) December 3, 2017
