India’s soft power took centrestage at Siri Fort on Tuesday, when US President Barack Obama took the names of actor Shah Rukh Khan, boxing champion Mary Kom, ace athlete Milkha Singh and child rights activist and Nobel Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, saying these are inspirational figures.

Khan (SRK), Kom and Singh were in for a big surprise after parts of Obama’s address at Delhi Siri Fort went viral on the social media and television channels.

“Obamaji taking names of sports people is very encouraging for Indian sports people,” said Singh, while Olympic medallist and World Boxing Champion Kom said there are so many sportspersons from India, but the fact that Obama chose to take her name is a proud moment for her.

SRK tweeted: “Proud to be part of the gender and religion equality speech by President Obama. Sad he couldn’t do the Bhangra, next time Chaiyya Chaiyya for sure.” He was referring to the popular song from his film Dil Se .

Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, during their India visit in 2010, had a chance to shake a leg with children in Mumbai. Fondly remembering that dance, the US President regretted that he did not get a chance to do so this time. He, in fact, charmed the audience with a dialogue from an SRK-Kajol hit film, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge , saying “Senorita, Bade Bade Deshon Mein…”

Incidentally, after Obama’s plane took off, he tweeted to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for his ‘memorable’ visit. Modi tweeted back: “Your visit has taken India-USA ties to a new level…Wish you a safe journey”, quickly followed by another tweet: “As for the rainy day yesterday, as you yourself said @WhiteHouse today morning, Bade Bade Deshon Mein... :)”

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