The 77th Cannes Film Festival, a grand celebration of cinema, commenced with a ten-day extravaganza of content and glamour. Amidst this cinematic splendor, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, hosted the first-ever Bharat Parv, an evening dedicated to celebrating the rich culture, cuisine, and handicrafts of India alongside Indian cinema at the French Riviera.
The event, organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was a resounding success. Cannes delegates were fully immersed in the evening’s exceptional performances and the delightful array of fusion cuisine. Over 250 delegates attended the event, which showcased Indian culture, cuisine, and cinema on the global platform.
A significant highlight of the evening was the unveiling of posters for the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the save-the-date poster for the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES). Sanjay Jaju, accompanied by filmmakers Ashok Amritraj, Richie Mehta, singer Shaan, actor Rajpal Yadav, and film veteran Bobby Bedi, officiated the unveiling.
Chef Varun Totlani, specially flown in for the occasion, curated a menu that radiated the warmth and hospitality intrinsic to Indian culture. His culinary creations were a highlight of the evening, offering attendees a taste of India’s diverse and flavorful cuisine.
The night was further enlivened by performances from singer Sunanda Sharma, who delivered energetic Punjabi numbers. She was joined by budding singers Pragati, Arjun, and Maahi, Shaan’s son. The musical acts culminated with a rousing rendition of ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam,’ which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The presence of esteemed guests added to the allure and significance of the event. Actor Shobhita Dhulipala, Assamese actor Amie Barauah, renowned in Assamese cinema, and film critic Anupama Chopra were among the luminaries who graced the occasion.
Bharat Parv at Cannes was a night filled with the celebration of film, culture, and artistic collaboration. The event showcased India’s vibrant cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impression on the international delegates and attendees.
