‘Come On Kerala’ draws historic crowd for its show-stopping finale in Sharjah
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Sharjah: The seventh edition of the ‘Come On Kerala’ concluded on a high note on Sunday, drawing massive crowds from across all seven emirates of the UAE. The closing ceremony, titled 'Beyond the Boundaries', celebrated the global appeal of Malayalam cinema’s iconic actor Mohanlal, who was the guest of honour.
Addressing the audience, Mohanlal described the recognition he received at the event as one of the most unforgettable honours of his career.
“India is the heart of the world and its diversity is the soul of our nation. The Arab world has always held India close to its heart", said Mohanlal.
"Being part of this festival under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, is a great privilege,” the actor added.
He also expressed pride in representing both Malayalam and Indian culture at the event. Mohanlal was presented with a special memento by V.K. Hamza Abbas, Chief Editor of Gulf Madhyamam.
Held at the Sharjah Expo Centre since Friday, 'Come On Kerala' - the largest Indian trade, entertainment and cultural fair in the Middle East - broke previous attendance records and attracted visitors from all walks of life. The event blended entertainment, knowledge and commerce through a vibrant array of exhibitions and cultural programs. Daytime competitions such as Little Artist, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Sing and Win received an enthusiastic response, especially from families and children.
As night fell, attendees enjoyed musical performances by renowned singers, wrapping up their visit on a high note. Around 200 industry firms from the Gulf and India set up exhibition stalls, making the event a hub of cross-cultural engagement.
On Sunday, the festival also honoured notable figures in the business community with awards such as the Indian Business Icon Award, Business Achievement Award and the Arabian Legacy Award, recognising contributions to enterprise and cultural heritage.
