Pooja Hegde honoured as Guest of Honour at NY India Day Parade 2025
Synopsis
Pooja Hegde waved the Indian tricolour from atop a car on Madison Avenue as the 44th India Day Parade drew thousands to the streets of New York — the largest such celebration outside India. For the actress, it was a rare off-screen moment of national pride that resonated far beyond Bollywood.
Key Takeaways
Pooja Hegde was the Guest of Honour at the 44th annual India Day Parade in New York City .
The parade was held along Madison Avenue , Manhattan , organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) .
Actor Adivi Sesh also attended as chief guest and grand marshal.
Lead actors of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah made their first-ever New York City appearance at the event.
Hegde's latest film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai , directed by David Dhawan , is reportedly his final directorial project.
Actress Pooja Hegde was invited as the Guest of Honour at the 44th annual India Day Parade in New York City, calling the experience 'truly an honour' as she watched the Indian diaspora fill the streets of Manhattan in a vivid celebration of Indian identity and pride.
A Surreal Moment on Madison Avenue
The parade, held along Madison Avenue in Manhattan, saw Hegde atop a car, waving the Indian flag and felicitated with a sash reading 'Chief Guest.' She shared a series of images from the event on Instagram, accompanied by a heartfelt caption.
'There was something incredibly surreal about seeing the streets of New York come alive with so many Indians, proudly celebrating our country and everything that connects us to home,' she wrote.
What Pooja Hegde Said
Expressing deep gratitude, Hegde acknowledged the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) — the organising body — along with officials of New York City. 'To be there, doing this with you all is a privilege I don't take lightly. Gratitude for this moment that I'll carry with me for a long time. Jai Hind,' she added.
Key Guests and Highlights
Actor Adivi Sesh also participated as a chief guest and grand marshal at the event. The lead actors of the long-running television series Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah made their first-ever appearance in New York City at the parade, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Organised by the Federation of Indian Associations, the India Day Parade is widely regarded as the largest such celebration outside of India, drawing thousands from the Indian-American community each year.
Pooja Hegde's Latest Film
On the professional front, Hegde's most recent release is Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a romantic comedy directed by David Dhawan. The film stars Mrunal Thakur, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, Jimmy Sheirgill, and Mouni Roy. The project is reportedly intended to be David Dhawan's final directorial venture.
Point of View
Making these guest-of-honour selections increasingly strategic.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India Day Parade in New York?
The India Day Parade in New York City is an annual celebration of Indian independence organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA). Held along Madison Avenue in Manhattan, it is considered the largest India Day Parade outside of India.
Why was Pooja Hegde the Guest of Honour at the India Day Parade?
Pooja Hegde was invited by the Federation of Indian Associations to serve as Guest of Honour at the 44th edition of the New York India Day Parade. She was felicitated with a 'Chief Guest' sash and waved the Indian flag during the procession.
Who else attended the India Day Parade in New York as a chief guest?
Actor Adivi Sesh also attended the event as a chief guest and grand marshal. The lead cast of the television series Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah made their first-ever New York City appearance at the parade.
What is Pooja Hegde's latest film?
Pooja Hegde's latest release is Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, a romantic comedy directed by David Dhawan. The film also stars Mrunal Thakur, Varun Dhawan, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, Jimmy Sheirgill, and Mouni Roy, and is reportedly David Dhawan's final directorial film.
Which organisation runs the India Day Parade in New York?
The India Day Parade in New York is organised by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), which coordinates the annual event along Madison Avenue in Manhattan.
