Cannes: The 77th Cannes Film Festival, renowned as the grandest celebration of cinema, kicked off two days ago with a ten-day extravaganza where content and glamour converge. Among the many highlights of this year’s festival was the inaugural Bharat Parv, an evening dedicated to celebrating the rich culture, cuisine, and handicrafts of India, along with its vibrant cinema.
The event was hosted by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and was organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
During the event, Jaju unveiled posters for the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the inaugural edition of the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which is planned to coincide with the 55th IFFI in Goa. The unveiling was attended by prominent filmmakers Ashok Amritraj and Richie Mehta, singer Shaan, actor Rajpal Yadav, and film veteran Bobby Bedi, among others.
Chef Varun Totlani was specially flown in to curate the menu for Bharat Parv, which radiated the warmth intrinsic to Indian hospitality. The evening’s entertainment included a dynamic performance by singer Sunanda Sharma, who delivered foot-tapping Punjabi numbers. Budding singers Pragati, Arjun, and Shaan’s son Maahi also performed, culminating in a rousing rendition of “Maa Tujhe Salaam,” which received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The event was further elevated by the presence of esteemed guests such as actress Sobhita Dhulipala, known for her compelling performances, Assamese actress Amie Barua, renowned for her work in Assamese cinema, and film critic Anupama Chopra. Their participation highlighted the rich tapestry of Indian cinema and its burgeoning influence on the global stage.