Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron, currently on a three day visit to India, met several prominent figures from the Indian film and arts fraternity in Mumbai on Tuesday. Accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Marie Claude Macron, the French leader interacted with actors, filmmakers and musicians in what was described as a warm cultural exchange.
Among those present were Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha and filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan. Grammy winning music composer Ricky Kej, director Kanu Behl and French designer Christian Louboutin also attended the gathering. The group posed for photographs, marking a moment that blended diplomacy with creative dialogue.
Celebrating Cinema As A Cultural Bridge
Anil Kapoor later shared images from the meeting on social media, calling it an inspiring afternoon. Known internationally for his roles in Slumdog Millionaire and Mission Impossible, Kapoor wrote that discussions revolved around cinema, culture and the strong creative bridge between India and France.
In a tweet shared by music composer Ricky Kej, he said it was an honour to spend time with French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, adding that he travelled with them on the presidential aircraft as part of the French delegation. Kej said he attended several meetings and the inauguration of the India–France Year of Innovation, calling it an “exciting” time for both countries, and added that he wore glasses as a tribute to the pair worn by Macron at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The interaction highlighted the longstanding artistic ties between the two countries, with both sides acknowledging the role of storytelling, film and music in strengthening people to people connections.
Key Bilateral Talks Ahead
President Macron arrived in Mumbai on February 17 before heading into a packed diplomatic schedule. He is set to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions expected to focus on defence cooperation, including a potential multibillion dollar Dassault Rafale fighter jet deal.
Artificial intelligence will also feature prominently in the visit, with Macron participating in the AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 18 and 19.
Beyond economic and technological collaboration, the leaders are expected to deliberate on global issues such as the Indo Pacific region, the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza.
While formal meetings dominate the agenda, the cultural interaction in Mumbai underscored another dimension of international diplomacy, one that celebrates shared artistic values and the soft power of cinema.
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