Richard Gere visits Dharamshala to celebrate the 90th birthday of Dalai Lama

While visiting Nechung Monastery, Gere expressed his deep respect and emotional connection with the space.

Veteran Hollywood actor Richard Gere is currently in India to be part of the grand celebrations honouring the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Best known for his role in Pretty Woman, Gere joined spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and well-wishers from around the world in Dharamshala and across the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh to pay tribute to the Tibetan spiritual leader.

According to the Tibetan lunar calendar, the celebrations started on June 30, even though the Dalai Lama's birthday is July 6 in the Gregorian calendar. The centre of weekly spiritual and cultural events is the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, which is home to the Dalai Lama's official residence and the Tibetan government-in-exile.

While visiting Nechung Monastery, Gere expressed his deep respect and emotional connection with the space. Speaking to ANI, he said, “We’re here in Dharamshala to celebrate His Holiness’s 90th birthday, his good health, his strength and compassion. Nechung is one of my oldest friends... this monastery is very important to me and my son. 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.”

#WATCH | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh | Hollywood Actor, Richard Gere, says "All of my friends are here to celebrate the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama... This monastery is very important to me and my friends. It is always a delight being here." https://t.co/V2S2XJHkid pic.twitter.com/DXnPwnsCKq

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025

The Dalai Lama visited Tsuglagkhang, the principal Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, on June 30 for a brief but poignant public appearance. He reiterated in his speech his steadfast dedication to service, compassion, and peace—not just to the Tibetan community, but to all of humanity. Those present listened to his words with reverence and warmth.

Religious leaders from different traditions have been drawn to the week-long festivities, which have also been a beacon for interfaith harmony. The variety of voices and religions uniting in remembrance amply demonstrated the Dalai Lama's influence, which goes well beyond Buddhism.

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Renowned monks, academics, and practitioners from all over the world will gather in Dharamshala for a three-day international Buddhist conference from July 2–4. The Dalai Lama himself will give a keynote speech at the event's conclusion, and it is anticipated that he will discuss the future of the Tibetan reincarnation tradition, a topic that is very important to both Tibetan Buddhism and the larger spiritual community worldwide.