On Sunday 19th April 2015, Bollywood Superstar Abhishek Bachchan visited Leicester to support Keith Vaz’s election campaign, as Mr. Vaz was officially nominated by the local party as the Labour candidate for Leicester East.
Mr. Bachchan participated in a public Q&A with Mr. Vaz and over 350 residents of Leicester at the Peepul Centre. He was asked questions on his life and career, as well as his Captaincy of the Bollywood Stars football team, before being presented with a personalised Leicester City Football Shirt.
Mr. Vaz and Mr. Bachchan then went on a tour of Belgrave Road and Uppingham Road, and were met by thousands of adoring fans. An adoring and buoyant crowd were delighted to see one of their idols.
Speaking at the event, Abhishek said, “I am here for Keith. He works so hard for Leicester and I am delighted to be here to help him today.”
“Keith is a close family friend. He possesses so many values I hold close to my heart for our politicians; he is warm, generous and kind. I know that he is a true leader for the Indian community in the United Kingdom, who does great work for people of Indian origin,” said the actor.
Speaking about the actor, Keith Vaz said, “It was an honour to have one of Bollywood’s megastars with us in Leicester today. Our city was bouncing with the joy and excitement of thousands of adoring fans who came out to see Abhishek. Abhishek was wonderful, and people adored him. He is a close friend, and for him to take time to come to Leicester is truly special. The thousands who came out to Belgrave Road and Uppingham Road were awestruck.”
“My only request to Abhishek is that he does not stand to be the Member of Parliament for Leicester East, as I would not have a chance,” added Vaz.
