The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has partnered with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali to present a special tableau celebrating Indian cinema at this year’s Republic Day Parade. The tableau will be showcased on January 26 at Kartavya Path, marking the first time an Indian film director has been chosen to represent Indian cinema at the national ceremonial event.
The initiative aims to spotlight the cultural legacy, creative depth and global reach of Indian cinema, which has long served as one of India’s most visible cultural exports.
Speaking about the collaboration, a source said, “For the first time ever, a true flag-bearer of Indian cinema, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will represent Indian cinema at the Republic Day Parade. This historic honour marks a defining chapter for Indian cinema and is set to create strong national momentum. There could be no better representative for this moment than Sanjay Leela Bhansali.”
Over the years, Bhansali has built a distinct cinematic identity rooted in classical storytelling, elaborate visual design and music-driven narratives. His body of work includes films such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat and Gangubai Kathiawadi, many of which have achieved both critical and commercial success.
Bhansali’s films have also travelled widely across international festivals, helping Indian stories find a global audience. The Republic Day tableau is expected to reflect the scale, discipline and emotional intensity associated with his filmmaking, while celebrating Indian cinema as a whole rather than focusing on a single film or moment.
The collaboration underscores the growing recognition of cinema as a key pillar of India’s cultural identity, alongside traditional art forms showcased at the annual parade.
