CHICAGO — On a crisp Valentine’s Day evening, the grand halls of Maharaj Banquets in Franklin Park transformed into a vibrant showcase of romance, rhythm and remembrance for “Valentine’s Vibes – Dil Me Ho Tum.”
The Feb. 14, 2026, event, co-organized by Sahail Khan and A.J. Singh of Maharaj Banquets and Dr. Anu Gupta, brought together members of Chicago’s Indian diaspora for a night of music, dance and community spirit. The program was planned by Hitesh Master and emceed by Chinmayi Bhatt-Desai, whose warmth and wit set the tone for the evening.
Opening the celebration, Bhatt-Desai invoked a classic line from the 1981 film Silsila — “Main aur meri tanhayi, aksar yeh baatein karte hain … tum hoti to kaisa hota” — immediately casting a dreamy, nostalgic mood across the banquet hall.
As guests enjoyed appetizers, 15-year-old keyboardist Shubham Thakkar delivered instrumental renditions of popular Bollywood songs, including “Moh Moh Ke Dhage,” “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin” and “Bulleya.” A student of Hindustani classical music for more than seven years under Hitesh Master Nayak and currently pursuing his Visharad certification, Thakkar drew praise for his poise and musical maturity.
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The spotlight then shifted to vocalists Swapnil Sahu and Dr. Gupta, who performed a medley of evergreen hits such as “Tip Tip Barsa Paani,” “Dil To Pagal Hai,” “Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen,” “Mere Khwabon Mein” and “Ladki Badi Anjaani.” Romantic duets including “Dil Mein Ho Tum,” “Tu Meri Zindagi Hai,” “Tu Shayar Hai,” “Jhumka Gira Re,” “Neele Neele Ambar,” “Aisi Deewangi,” “Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam,” “Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai” and “Pehla Nasha” had couples swaying and singing along.
Sahu also performed solo numbers such as “Janam Janam” and “Muskurane Ki,” adding emotional depth to the program.
Following a dinner break and fellowship at the cash bar, Thakkar returned for additional selections before Dr. Radhika Chimata energized the dance floor with Bhangra-inspired moves. Gupta closed the live performances with high-energy songs including “Yeh Wada Raha,” “Mehboob Mere” and a disco medley that drew guests to their feet.
The Hitesh Master Orchestra provided live accompaniment throughout the evening, featuring Hitesh Master Nayak on keyboard, Raju Syed on guitar, Bobby Messy on congo and dholak, Kalyan Pathak on drums, Anand Master Nayak on sound, Dinesh Patel as DJ and Gabriel on lighting. Poornima Decorators designed the stage, while a photo booth captured candid moments from the celebration.
A raffle drawing added levity to the night. Winners Bharat and Gita Dhutia were greeted with cheers, followed by Mr. Burket and Monica Huda. One winner joked that the only time he is usually selected is for jury duty, prompting laughter from the crowd and playful banter from the emcee.
More than 80 members of the Midwest Silver Club attended, adding to the multigenerational atmosphere. Organizers extended thanks to Sunil Shah, founder and chairman of the Federation of Indian Associations; Dr. Chimata; Noor Tejani of Midwest Silver Club; Hetul Thakker; Maharaj Banquets; and the many volunteers and guests who supported the event.
Chimata, who began training in Carnatic music at age 6 and later studied Hindustani music, has performed professionally since her teens. At 22, she became lead singer of the Chicago-based fusion band Funkadesi, collaborating with artists including Bally Sagoo and Mahendra Kapoor. Now a physician and mother, she continues to perform across genres in the Chicagoland area.
Valentine’s Day, widely celebrated as a tribute to love and affection, carries particular resonance within Indian culture, where Bollywood has long elevated romance into an art form. For many attendees, the evening was about more than roses and music; it was a celebration of heritage, connection and shared memories.
Yet amid the festivities, organizers also paused to reflect on a somber anniversary. Feb. 14 marks seven years since the 2019 Pulwama attack in India, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel.
“As we reveled in the magic of ‘Dil Me Ho Tum,’ spreading love through song and dance, our hearts quietly carried a deeper echo,” said Suresh Bodiwala, chairman of Asian Media USA. “Let our joy be mixed with solemn gratitude and heartfelt condolences to the families who still bear that pain. Their courage fuels our unity — never forgotten, forever honored.”
With seating for up to 300 guests, Maharaj Banquets specializes in weddings, corporate gatherings and community events. On Valentine’s night, its red-accented décor and multi-cuisine offerings — spanning Indian, Pakistani, Italian, American and Mexican fare — framed an evening that blended celebration with remembrance.
For Chicago’s Indian community, “Valentine’s Vibes – Dil Me Ho Tum” proved to be more than a concert. It was a testament to music’s power to unite hearts — in joy, in nostalgia and in shared tribute.