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Hollywood actor and longtime advocate for Tibet, Richard Gere, is currently in Dharamshala to participate in the celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, set to be observed on July 6 as per the Gregorian calendar. The serene mountain town has become a hub for spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and global supporters gathering to honour the life and teachings of His Holiness.

Richard Gere on the Dalai Lama

Speaking at an event ahead of the birthday, Gere shared a moving personal experience from one of his earlier interactions with the Dalai Lama. “Once I went to the Dalai Lama when I was feeling very tired,” he recalled. “I asked His Holiness, ‘Can I stop now?’ He said, ‘Yes, you can stop when I stop — which is never.’”

#WATCH | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh | Hollywood Actor, Richard Gere, says "...Once I went to the Dalai Lama when I was feeling very tired. I asked His Holiness, Can I stop now? He said yes, you can stop when I stop, which is never. This is not a commitment for one lifetime.… pic.twitter.com/yR5mEQ49a0

— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2025

He continued, “This is not a commitment for one lifetime. This is many lifetimes of commitment, not just for Tibet, but for the people of Tibet who have been highly abused for many decades by the Chinese Communist Party.”

The actor, renowned for his roles in Pretty Woman, An Officer And A Gentleman, and Chicago, has long aligned his spiritual journey with the Tibetan cause, using his international platform to amplify their plight.

Support from Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

Tenzin Jigdal, a Member of Parliament from the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, expressed appreciation for Gere’s consistent advocacy. “It’s very moving to see how Richard Gere expresses his commitment to Tibet by sharing one of his experiences with His Holiness,” he posted on X. “Thank you for your dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of #Tibet.”

#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

Dharamshala Hosts Global Well-Wishers for Spiritual Milestone

The ongoing celebrations have drawn Buddhist monks, Tibetan leaders, and international supporters to Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile. With spiritual discourses, cultural programmes, and prayers planned in the lead-up to July 6, the atmosphere in the hill town is one of reverence and celebration.

Richard Gere’s presence serves as both a symbolic and heartfelt gesture of solidarity, reinforcing the global resonance of the Dalai Lama’s message of compassion and resilience.