January 26 Parade: Cinema Honoured on Kartavya Path for the First Time: Sanjay Leela Bhansali to Curate a Grand Cinematic Tableau

By Sharad Rai

But will Bhansali’s showcase also feature glimpses of his Pakistan-based series Heeramandi?

For the first time in the 77-year history of India’s Republic Day celebrations, Indian cinema is set to receive official representation on Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath). The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has entrusted filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali with the responsibility of presenting a cinematic tableau in the Path Gallery, showcasing the legacy of Indian cinema. This move reflects a progressive and positive outlook by the government, offering Indian cinema an opportunity to be celebrated as a matter of national pride. Among contemporary filmmakers, the selection of Sanjay Leela Bhansali for this responsibility is being widely regarded as a commendable and fitting decision.

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali is often described as a painter of celluloid—someone who creates visual poetry on screen. His acclaimed body of work includes Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Padmaavat, Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and the web series Heeramandi. In the coming days, his much-talked-about film Love and War is slated for release on August 13, 2026. He is also co-producing Do Deewane Shehar Mein, scheduled to release on February 20, 2026. Additionally, Bhansali is preparing to shoot the second season of his OTT series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.

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Naturally, the inclusion of a cinematic showcase in the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path this year is a moment of great significance—and also one of immense responsibility. This special window is expected to feature several classic Indian films. However, there is no detailed information yet on which films or filmmakers will be included. Bhansali has not issued any official statement regarding the selection so far.

Indian cinema boasts a rich heritage of both classic masterpieces and commercially successful films. Yet media reports remain unclear about which cinematic form or era will be given prominence. With no immediate response from Bhansali, speculation has already begun.

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Given Bhansali’s personal cinematic preferences, he may also face criticism. He has not traditionally aligned himself with films that are perceived as benefiting from government patronage or support. On the other hand, his own web series Heeramandi, is set against the backdrop of Karachi, a city in Pakistan. Considering that Pakistan is a hostile and restricted country for India, it would be preferable if Heeramandi does not feature in this national showcase—otherwise, it could trigger a storm on social media.

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Every year on Republic Day, the parade—now officially announced as being held on Kartavya Path—celebrates India’s artistic, cultural, and industrial progress. Until now, Indian cinema was the only major industry that had never received representation in this grand parade. For the first time, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have taken the initiative to honor an industry that contributes massively to employment, revenue, and tax generation. This is not just an honor for cinema—it is a matter of national pride.

Jai Hind!!

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