16 July,2023 02:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
L-AR Rahman; R-Emmanuel Macron with PM Modi and R Madhavan
In honour of PM Modi's visit to France, President Emmanuel Macron hosted a banquet dinner. The gala was attended by several political dignitaries. Apart from them, actor R Madhavan was also seen in attendance. The banquet was organised at Parisâ iconic Louvre Museum on July 14, the French National Day. Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by French President Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron and treated to specially curated all-vegetarian spread.
According to reports, the Oscar-winning song 'Jai Ho', from the hit film 'Slumdog Millionaire', was played twice at the banquet. The song composed by A.R. Rahman received an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 81st Academy Awards in 2009, and also won in the category of 'Best Song Written for a Motion Picture' at the 52nd Grammy Awards in 2010.
Actor R Madhavan who attended the gala took to his social media handle to share pictures from the grand evening. The actor looked dapper as he donned a classy grey-toned blazer and trouser set. A pair of sunglasses and beard look complimented his outfit. "The passion and dedication to do good for the Indo French relationship, as well as for the people of both countries was palpable and intense during the Bastille day celebration in Paris on the 14th of July 2023. I was in complete awe at the dinner hosted by the President Emmanuel Macron in honor of our Honorable, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Louvre, of both these world leaders, as they passionately described their vision for the future of these two great friendly nations," he wrote sharing the pictures.
Madhavan also shared PM Modi's speech and wrote, "Wow wonderful wonderful. Thank you so much @narendramodi Ji. So so true."
Addressing the banquet dinner hosted by Macron, PM Modi said, "In the past 25 years, the world faced many ups and downs and challenging times, but the friendship between France and India continued to grow deeper. We have made a long and important journey on the basis of Mutual understanding, trust and respect. Due to the personal efforts of President Macron, our ties are moving forward in every direction."
"We have prepared a roadmap for the next 25 years. We are contributing not only to the welfare of both countries but also to world peace and security. Our partnership is a force for global good," PM Modi added.