French President Emmanuel Macron Engages with Bollywood Elite During Mumbai Diplomatic Visit
French President Emmanuel Macron infused his official diplomatic mission to Mumbai with a distinct cinematic flair, orchestrating a special gathering with luminaries from India's Bollywood film industry on Tuesday. The esteemed French leader, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, convened with a constellation of Indian cinema's most prominent figures, fostering a dialogue that celebrated the deep cultural ties between the two nations.
A Star-Studded Assembly of Cinematic Icons
The exclusive interaction featured an impressive roster of Bollywood talent. Esteemed actors Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, and the legendary Shabana Azmi were present, alongside acclaimed filmmaker Zoya Akhtar. Adding a musical dimension to the meeting was Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the cultural exchange.
President Macron personally documented the memorable occasion on his official social media platform, sharing photographs that captured warm, engaging moments with the assembled celebrities. His accompanying caption, "Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together," succinctly encapsulated the spirit of the event.
Actor Anil Kapoor also reflected on the experience, posting his own insights online. He described it as "an inspiring afternoon" spent with President Macron and the First Lady, where they exchanged thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge connecting India and France. Kapoor concluded with an optimistic note: "Here's to India x France. And to many more stories waiting to be told."
Official Welcome and a Solemn Tribute
President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron arrived in Mumbai in the early hours of Tuesday, commencing a scheduled state visit to India that extends through February 19. Upon touchdown, they were formally received at the Mumbai airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking the official start of their engagements.
In a poignant and deeply symbolic act of international solidarity, the French presidential couple paid a solemn tribute to the victims of the devastating 2008 Mumbai terror attacks shortly after their arrival. This gesture underscored a shared commitment to peace and a stand against global terrorism, adding a layer of profound significance to the visit beyond diplomatic and cultural exchanges.
Earlier in the day, President Macron was also observed engaging in a morning jog alongside a security detail comprising both French and Indian officials, showcasing a moment of informal routine amidst the formal state schedule.
Looking Ahead: The India AI Impact Summit 2026
Following the conclusion of their Mumbai program, the French delegation is slated to travel to New Delhi to participate in the landmark India AI Impact Summit 2026. This significant global event, scheduled from February 16 to 20 at the Bharat Mandapam, represents the first international artificial intelligence summit to be hosted in the Global South, marking a pivotal moment for technological leadership.
The summit is structured as a comprehensive five-day program built upon three foundational pillars, or "Sutras": People, Planet, and Progress. President Macron's participation highlights the strategic importance both India and France place on collaboration in emerging technologies. This builds directly upon the momentum from Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chairing the AI Action Summit with President Macron in Paris in February 2025, signaling a continued and deepening partnership in the critical field of artificial intelligence and innovation.
