Hollywood Actor Richard Gere has a deep rooted Indian connection. He is a practising Buddhist and a follower of Dalai Lama since age of 20. He is currently in Bodh Gaya to attend a teaching session of The Dalai Lama at Kalachakra ground.
In 2007, Gere courted a controversy when he publicly kissed Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty during an AIDS awareness campaign in New Delhi. This caused a huge outcry and a court in Jaipur issued arrest warrant against him. When things went too far, Gere rendered a public apology.
Richard Gere has starred in global hits like American Gigolo, Pretty Woman, Primal Fear, Runaway Bride and Chicago.