Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists were joined by a Hollywood star in India's Himalayan town of Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama. The hilltop temples echoed with chants, while dance troupes performed with clanging cymbals and bagpipes.

Richard Gere converted to Buddhism. He is friends with the Dalai Lama and naturally honors the Tibetan leader on his 90th birthday. Moving scenes unfolded during the peace prayer.

Thousands of people gathered in India’s Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama – a key milestone in the life of the spiritual leader and Nobel Peace laureate known for his message of compassion and his quest for greater freedoms for Tibet under Beijing’s rule.