French President Emmanuel Macron met some of India’s leading filmmakers and actors over a special lunch in Mumbai, on Tuesday, February 17, turning a formal engagement into a lively exchange on cinema, culture and collaboration.
The two-hour interaction began at 12:30 PM at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace. Macron was joined by First Lady Brigitte Macron as they sat down with well-known names from India’s film industry.
Among those present were filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Kabir Khan and Neeraj Ghaywan, and actors Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Anil Kapoor and Richa Chadha. Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej was also part of the interaction and the French delegation.
Image: Emmanuel Macron/X
Indo-French Cinema Ties in Focus
The discussion centred on expanding cooperation between India and France in filmmaking. Participants spoke about telling French stories in India and Indian stories in France, and about exploring financial and creative partnerships.
Kej told PTI that the exchange was focused on building stronger ties through cinema and exploring opportunities for cross-border projects.
“Everybody talked about how we can bring together the relationship between France and India through filmmaking, and how we can tell French stories in India and vice versa. We also discussed how we can benefit financially and make good films that cross over between the two countries,” Kej told PTI.
Actor Anil Kapoor also described the conversation as meaningful and forward-looking. He told PTI that it was encouraging to discuss how artists and storytellers from both countries can work more closely to build cultural bridges.
What Was on the Lunch Menu?
The lunch featured an Indo-French fusion spread, reflecting the spirit of collaboration discussed at the table.
Guests were served an Indian-inspired take on ratatouille, paneer bhurji dumplings, strawberry-based desserts and kulfi. The menu blended French culinary techniques with Indian flavours, symbolising how two traditions can merge while keeping their distinct identities.
The choice of dishes was seen as a subtle reminder of the larger theme of the afternoon — creative exchange without losing cultural roots.
Also Read: Emmanuel Macron begins India visit with Marine Drive jog, pays tribute to 26/11 victims in Mumbai
A ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ Moment
The meeting also had a personal highlight for Kapoor.
According to Kej, Brigitte Macron had spoken during her flight about how much she admired the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle.
When Kapoor, who played the game show host in the film, arrived at the lunch, Kej introduced him to the First Lady.
“Madam Brigitte Macron was happy to meet Anil Kapoor. It was a huge coincidence, as yesterday on the plane, she was talking about how she loved the film, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. Today, when Anil Kapoor walked in, I immediately took him to meet her,” Kej told PTI.
Kapoor later said he was “deeply touched” by her appreciation for his work and described her as warm and gracious.
The 2008 film went on to win eight Oscars, including two for composer A. R. Rahman for Best Original Score and Best Song for ‘Jai Ho’, written by Gulzar.
Macron’s India Visit
President Macron is in India from February 17 to 19 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit includes participation in the AI Impact Summit and bilateral talks.
This is Macron’s fourth visit to India and his first official trip to Mumbai, where cinema and culture took centre stage during a lunch that blended policy, storytelling and food on the same table.
Dining and Cooking