French President Emmanuel Macron added a touch of cinematic flair to his diplomatic visit to Mumbai on Tuesday, holding a special interaction with prominent figures from Indian cinema. Accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, he met celebrated actors Anil Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, and Shabana Azmi, along with filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej.
Sharing highlights on X, Macron called the actors “legends of Indian cinema,” noting that culture serves as a bridge between nations. Actor Anil Kapoor also posted about the meeting, describing it as an inspiring exchange on cinema, culture, and the strong ties connecting India and France.
The Macrons arrived in Mumbai early Tuesday for a visit extending through February 19, where they were warmly received at the airport by Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In the morning, Macron was spotted jogging with a security team comprising French and Indian officials.
Demonstrating solidarity against terrorism, the French President and First Lady paid tribute to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, including two French citizens. Following the Mumbai engagements, the delegation will travel to Delhi to attend the India AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. This summit marks the first global AI event hosted in the Global South and is structured around three pillars: People, Planet, and Progress.
Macron’s participation underscores the significance both India and France attach to emerging technologies. It also builds on PM Modi’s co-chairing of the AI Action Summit in Paris with Macron in February 2025, reinforcing the ongoing collaboration between the two nations in technology, innovation, and culture.
