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Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation

WTOP Staff | WTOP_website@wtop.com

February 25, 2014, 5:33 PM

Beyond Bollywood Exhibit curator Masum Momaya says she was inspired by her own experiences growing up with two parents from India. Thalis -- traditional meals made of different dishes -- is one of her favorite memories, she says.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
First lady Michelle Obama wore this dress, designed by Naeem Khan, at the 2012 Governors Ball.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Seventy-three percent of National Spelling Bee winners are of Indian heritage.

Visitors to the exhibit can hear all of the winning words and how they are spelled in this part of the exhibit.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
The exhibit also explores how yoga has become such a big part of the American mainstream. Marilyn Monroe is shown here striking two poses.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Fashion designer Naeem Khan and actress Mindy Kaling are seen here in the ground-breakers portion of the exhibit.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Curator Masum Momaya also included works from young artists challenging what it means to be Indian.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
People are required to remove their shoes before entering traditional Indian households and temples as a sign of respect or as a designation of a sacred space.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Approximately 17 million people in the U.S. are of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, according to the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center.

(WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
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