French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by First Lady Brigitte Macron, met Bollywood actors and filmmakers in Mumbai on February 17, 2026. The gathering at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel featured stars like Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Richa Chadha, and Zoya Akhtar. Macron shared photos online, calling cinema a bridge between cultures.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s Mumbai visit turned into a cultural celebration as he engaged with leading Bollywood actors and filmmakers. The meeting, held over lunch at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, brought together prominent names including Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadha, Zoya Akhtar, Kabir Khan, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej.
Macron emphasized the role of cinema in fostering global connections, sharing photos on X with the caption: “Alongside legends of Indian cinema. Culture brings us together.” The event highlighted France’s interest in strengthening cultural diplomacy with India, complementing Macron’s broader engagements during his visit.
Key Highlights
-
Date: February 17, 2026
-
Venue: Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
-
Attendees: Anil Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Richa Chadha, Zoya Akhtar, Manoj Bajpayee, Kabir Khan, Neeraj Ghaywan, Ricky Kej
-
Focus: Cinema, culture, and collaboration between India and France
-
Macron’s Message: “Culture brings us together”
This star-studded interaction underscored the growing synergy between Indian cinema and global cultural diplomacy, positioning Bollywood as a vital partner in international exchange.
Sources: News18, Gulf News, PTI