Hollywood actor Richard Gere joined celebrations in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama. While the Dalai Lama’s birthday falls on July 6 as per the Gregorian calendar, festivities began on June 30 in accordance with the Tibetan calendar. The event has been attracting spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers who have been arriving from different parts of the world.
The 75-year-old actor is among the prominent people who have congregated in Dharamshala for the occasion that is attracting global spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers. Speaking to ANI during the event at Nechung Monastery, Gere remarked, “We’re here in Dharamshala to celebrate His Holiness’s 90th birthday, his good health, his strength and compassion. ...He’s been to my home in the US. He’s also very close to my son, and it’s always a delight being here. I’ve seen the pleasure of being here many times, so I feel like I have a connection with Nechung now. It’s always a delight being here.”
Earlier this year, Gere, who was last seen in the film 'Longing' in 2024 and was also part of the series 'The Agency', received the prestigious Goya Internacional 2025 award from the Spanish Film Academy.
Highlighting his steadfast commitment to humanitarian causes, the Academy acknowledged Gere’s unwavering activism for Tibetan autonomy and cultural preservation, recognizing him as a dedicated supporter of Tibet who has frequently met with the Dalai Lama.
Gere has stated earlier that his connection to Tibetan Buddhism dates back to the late 1970s when he traveled to India and Nepal, where he first met the Dalai Lama. This encounter profoundly shaped his spiritual journey, leading him to become a practicing Buddhist and a vocal advocate for Tibetan freedom.
