As Vice President Kamala Harris takes the spotlight with President Joe Biden bowing out of the presidential race, a Bollywood twist adds a touch of nostalgia. Curious how? In the 2011 film (previously titled ) Mallika Sherawat's character, Aretha Gupta, drew inspiration from Harris’s real-life persona. The film captures the essence of the 2008 US Presidential election's political and cultural atmosphere, weaving Bollywood magic into the narrative.
It’s a delightful reminder of how the world of cinema often reflects and enriches real-world events, offering a glamorous lens on political history. , Sherawat, even in her blog 'Mallika Sherawat Blogging from Los Angeles', once enthused about her preparation for the role: She said, "I’ve been immersing myself in Black American culture—something truly fascinating and different from India. This research is crucial for my role in , set during the ’08 elections.
I play a half-Indian, half-African American woman reminiscent of Kamala Harris, falling for a black Republican. With a bit of gospel, hip-hop, and slang lessons, I’m gearing up to embody this character with flair and authenticity!” . In this William Dear-directed film, Sherawat plays Aretha Gupta, a marketing agent who relocates to Florida to campaign for Barack Obama, drawing from her high-school prom committee experience.
Her chance encounter with Republican Kyle Franklin (played by Brian J White) leads to a comedic yet dramatic love story set against the backdrop of the 2008 US presidential campaign. Gupta’s Obama rallies contrast sharply with Franklin’s support for John McCain, setting the stage for a Romeo-and-Juliet-esque romantic conflict. The 2011 film features Mallika Sherawat as Aretha Gupta and Brian J White as Kyle Franklin.
Loretta Devine plays Lisa, while Riki Lindhome appears as Chloe. Kirk Fox takes on the role of Mark, and Tommi Rose portrays Marjorie, rounding out the cast..
