The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has collaborated with acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali to present a special tableau celebrating Indian cinema in the Republic Day Parade this year. The tableau will be screened on the Path of Duty on January 26, which will be a historic moment because for the first time, an Indian film director will represent Indian cinema at the country’s most prestigious festival.

The initiative highlights the cultural richness, creative excellence and global impact of Indian cinema, an art form that has long served as one of India’s strongest cultural ambassadors across the world. Talking about the association, a source said, “For the first time, the true flag bearer of Indian cinema, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will represent Indian cinema in the Republic Day Parade. This historic honor marks a defining chapter for Indian cinema and is set to create strong national momentum. There can be no better representative for this moment than Sanjay Leela Bhansali.”

Over several decades, Bhansali has carved a unique niche for himself in Indian cinema through his deep storytelling, rich aesthetics and powerful use of music and emotion. From We have given our heart And Devdas To Black, Bajirao Mastani, padmavatAnd Gangubai KathiawadiHis films have consistently blended tradition with scale, placing Indian narratives on the global stage.

The filmmaker co-produces Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur’s love story two crazy people in the cityIn which Ila Arun, Joy Sengupta, Ayesha Raza, Viraj Gehlani, Sandeepa Dhar and Naveen Kaushik are in lead roles. Directed by Ravi Udayawar, the film is presented by Zee Studios and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bhansali Productions. The film is set for theatrical release on February 20, 2026.

Bhansali is also returning to direction with a romance-drama. love and war. Actors Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal are in important roles in the film. According to the report, this film is likely to be released in theaters in 2027. pinkvilla.