Chicago’s Indian diaspora gathered at Maharaj Banquets to celebrate Valentine’s Day with “Valentine’s Vibes; Dil Me Ho Tum,” an evening filled with music, dance, and heartfelt connections.
On a crisp February evening in 2026, the grand halls of Maharaj Banquets in Franklin Park, Illinois, transformed into a vibrant haven of love, music, and desi magic. Doors opened at 6:30 PM on Saturday, February 14th, Valentine’s Day, for “Valentine’s Vibes; Dil Me Ho Tum,” an enchanting celebration of romance co-organized by Maharaj Banquets and the charismatic Dr. Anu Gupta. Under the expert planning of Hitesh Master and the warm hosting of Chinmayi Bhatt-Desai, the night unfolded like a Bollywood dream, blending soul-stirring melodies, electrifying dance, laughter, and heartfelt connections.
Chinmayi Bhatt-Desai, with her trademark charm and over three decades of stage presence, opened the evening memorably by quoting a timeless romantic dialogue from the classic film *Silsila*: “Main aur meri tanhayi, aksar yeh baatein karte hain… tum hoti to kaisa hota…” This line set a dreamy, poetic mood, evoking stolen glances and unspoken longing, perfectly priming the audience for an unforgettable night of romance.
The evening kicked off with Bhatt-Desai’s sparkling introduction, setting a tone of joy and anticipation. As guests savored appetizers, 15-year-old prodigy Shubham Thakkar took center stage on the keyboard, delivering youthful passion through timeless tracks like “Moh Moh Ke Dhage,” “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin,” and “Bulleya.” Trained for over seven years under Hitesh Master Nayak in Hindustani classical traditions, Shubham’s performance was a beautiful reminder of how dedication can shine even at a young age.
The spotlight then shifted to two powerhouse vocalists: the versatile Bollywood sensation Swapnil Sahu and the inspiring Dr. Anu Gupta. Their introduction sparked thunderous applause, and together they wove magic with a medley of evergreen classics including “Tip Tip Barsa Paani,” “Dil To Pagal Hai,” and “Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen.” The chemistry soared through romantic duets like “Dil Mein Ho Tum,” “Tu Meri Zindagi Hai,” and “Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam.” Swapnil’s solo renditions of “Meri Bechaini Ko,” “Janam Janam,” and “Muskurane Ki” added layers of emotion, while the crowd swayed in unison.
After a delicious dinner break filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses at the cash bar, Shubham returned for four more captivating numbers. Dr. Radhika Chimata then made a dazzling entry, igniting the floor with her graceful moves rooted in Bhangra Academy traditions. Dr. Anu Gupta closed the performances with powerful numbers such as “Yeh Wada Raha,” “Aisa Sama,” and a high-energy Disco Medley that had everyone on their feet.
The live band, Hitesh Master Orchestra, provided seamless musical vibes throughout the evening, with Hitesh Master Nayak on keyboard, Raju Syed on guitar, Bobby Messy on congo and dholak, Kalyan Pathak on drums, and Dinesh Patel as DJ. A lively photo booth captured candid moments of joy, while the non-stop dance floor pulsed with energy.
No community event is complete without a bit of fun suspense, and the raffle draw delivered excitement. The emcee announced with enthusiasm: “The winner of our gift certificate this evening is Mr. Bharat & Gita Dhutia!” Cheers erupted as the couple made their way forward. Moments later, the second winner was announced: “Mr. Burket and Monica Huda… There they come!”
Congratulations to both winners! A big round of applause filled the hall as everyone was invited to come forward. One of the winners, beaming with surprise, shared a humorous moment: “The only time I ever win is when I go for jury duty. This is the first time I won something!”
The host jumped in with a laugh: “If you didn’t hear what he said, he mentioned that every time he goes for jury duty, he’s the first name called. So today, he got called to win. That’s great! Congratulations, sir.”
Over 80 enthusiastic members from the Midwest Silver Club added extra warmth to the gathering. Special thanks were extended to Sunil Shah, Dr. Radhika Chimata, Noor Tejani of the Midwest Silver Club, Dr. Anu Gupta, Hetul Thakker, Maharaj Banquets, and every guest and supporter who made the night memorable.
Dr. Radhika Chimata began her Carnatic music training at age six, later adding Hindustani music. She started singing professionally at 18 and became the lead singer of Chicago fusion band Funkadesi at 22, collaborating with artists like Bally Sagoo. Now a mother and physician, she continues to perform multiple genres and languages with bands in the Chicagoland area.
Valentine’s Day, a global celebration of love and affection, holds special resonance in the Indian heart. It is more than roses and chocolates; it echoes the timeless Bollywood romance of eternal devotion and melodies that bind souls. On this day, couples renew promises, families share warmth, and even strangers find reasons to smile, reminding us that love remains the most powerful force that heals, unites, and inspires.
Nestled in Franklin Park, Maharaj Banquets is the perfect venue for every dream event, accommodating up to 300 guests and specializing in weddings, corporate gatherings, and all occasions. The vibrant Valentine’s evening setup featured stunning decorative tables adorned with red bows, while the delicious multi-cuisine menu blended Indian, Pakistani, Italian, American, and Mexican dishes tailored for banquets.
As the evening unfolded with “Dil Me Ho Tum,” the celebration also carried a deeper echo. This very date, seven years ago in 2019, marked the tragic Pulwama attack that claimed 40 brave CRPF lives in a cowardly act of terror. While the world celebrated romance, for many, it remains a poignant reminder of sacrifice and resilience. Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman of Asian Media USA, reflected, “How can we forget those heroes who gave everything for our tomorrow? On this special occasion, let our joy be mixed with solemn gratitude and heartfelt condolences to the families who still bear that pain.”
Photographs and press releases were provided by Asian Media USA.