As French President Emmanuel Macron wraps up his high-profile three-day visit to India, sealing deals in defense, technology, and innovation, the spotlight also turns to a softer side of Indo-French ties: Bollywood’s enduring love affair with France. For decades, the picturesque landscapes of France, especially Paris, have served as the backdrop for some of India’s most iconic films, strengthening cultural bridges between the two nations now elevated to a Special Global Strategic Partnership.
The romance began in the 1960s with Raj Kapoor’s monumental ‘Sangam’ in 1964, the first major Indian film to shoot extensively in Paris, alongside London and Switzerland. This extravagant production, one of the costliest and longest-running hits of its era, captured the allure of foreign locales, setting a trend that Bollywood never looked back from.
Paris, with its timeless charm, has become synonymous with romance on the silver screen. Iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Trocadéro, and Palais Galliera have made countless appearances, turning the City of Love into Bollywood’s favorite destination for mushy melodies and dramatic sequences. From classic love stories to high-octane action, France’s diverse scenery caters to every genre.
Fast-forward to modern blockbusters: Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ (2016) featured Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma dancing through Paris’s winter wonderland, with scenes at Champ de Mars and along the Seine. Kangana Ranaut’s critically acclaimed ‘Queen’ (2014) showcased her character’s liberating solo trip through the city’s streets, earning national awards and audience adoration. Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor’s ‘Befikre’ (2016) was almost entirely shot in Paris, highlighting Pont des Arts and Montmartre in vibrant detail.
Even South Indian cinema has embraced France, with films like ‘Manmadhan Ambu’, ‘Asal’, and the upcoming ‘Angaeyam Kadhal’ utilizing its stunning locales. Hits like ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ splashed the Eiffel Tower in its chartbuster ‘Ilahi’, while Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don’ (2006) packed action thrills into Parisian chases.
This cinematic synergy isn’t just about aesthetics; it fosters deeper cultural exchanges. France’s film-friendly policies—no script censorship, free public shooting permits, and a network of 40 regional commissions offering single-window services for scouting, visas, and logistics—make it a filmmaker’s paradise. With Macron’s meetings with Indian cinema stalwarts and an active French National Film Commission in India, expect even stronger collaborations ahead, blending art with diplomacy.