Deepika Padukone lead the India Day parade as grand Marshal

Bollywood sensation Deepika Padukone lead the India Day parade as grand Marshal, as over 50,000 people, mostly Indian-Americans, cheered the over two dozen floats, richly decorated with patriotic themes as part of the independence day celebration here.

The parade showcasing Indian cultural heritage and fast expanding economy also fascinated dozens of tourists from several nations visiting the United States. Deepika Padukone, who stormed Bollywood with her debut film Om Shanti Om last year, was the grand Marshal of the parade, while industrialist Vijay Mallya was the chief guest.