Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali recently expressed his honor in representing Indian cinema at the Republic Day Parade. Collaborating with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, he created a special tableau titled “Bharat Katha: Shruti, Kriti, Drishti,” which was showcased during the event.
The tableau journeyed along Kartavya Path at the parade, emphasizing the link between India’s civilizational wisdom and modern creative expression. This highlights how heritage and technology jointly contribute to the nation’s identity. Bhansali noted that the tableau serves as a tribute to India’s rich storytelling traditions, reinforcing the power of cinema to convey these narratives.
Expressing his sentiments, Bhansali said, “I felt deeply honoured to represent Indian cinema and the creator community… This tableau was a tribute to India’s timeless stories.” He highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to elevate Indian storytelling on a global platform and recognizing cinema as a vital cultural voice of the nation.
The tableau commenced with the cosmic element of Aum, symbolizing the foundation of sound and creation. The first section, Shruti, depicted the vibrant oral traditions of India, showcasing a Guru sharing wisdom with disciples beneath a Peepal tree. Sound-wave motifs illustrated the process of knowledge transmission through oral means.
Transitioning to the second segment, Kriti, the tableau illustrated the shift from oral to written storytelling. This segment featured Lord Ganesha writing the Mahabharata, symbolizing the sacred act of authorship and the safeguarding of timeless knowledge.
The concluding segment, Drishti, presented the contemporary media landscape of India. Images of vintage cameras, film reels, and satellite symbols highlighted the evolution of cinema, broadcasting, and print media. This visual depiction not only celebrated the past but also acknowledged the advancements shaping modern storytelling.
Additionally, the tableau recognized creative pioneers by featuring figures of filmmakers and artists. Digital elements showcased the burgeoning fields of Artificial Intelligence, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and immersive storytelling technologies, underlining India’s progress in next-generation narratives.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali stands out as one of the most influential storytellers in Indian cinema, known for his grand films such as Khamoshi, Devdas, Black, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, and the OTT series Heeramandi. His contributions continue to shape the landscape of Indian cinema, merging tradition with innovation.