Apart from military might and display of cultural heritage of the country, glamour will also be an attraction at next year’s Republic Day parade. Several stars from the film industry are expected to walk down Rajpath during the annual spectacle.
The information and broadcasting ministry is understood to be in talks with filmstars of present and yesteryears for making an appearance at a tableaux prepared by the ministry for the occasion. The display has been planned by the government as part of the on-going centenary celebrations of Indian cinema.
It is understood that the government has decided to approach several Dada Saheb Phalke award winners and present day filmstars. Sources stated that it will be the first of its kind attempt by the ministry that aims to display the soft power of the country.
The proposed celebrations on Republic Day are part of several events aimed at commemorating the centenary year of Indian cinema. I&B minister Ambika Soni has already announced in commemoration of India’s first film, Raja Harishchandra, released on May 3, 1913, the National Film Awards Ceremony would now on be held on May 3 every year and the year 2012-13 would be observed as the Centenary year of Indian Cinema. As part of these events during the current year, the government has also decided to project the country as a filming destination at prestigious international film festivals like Cannes.
The government has also decided to constitute a new award for honouring international films at International Film Festival of India from this year.
The I&B ministry is also understood to be considering setting up a Film Commission for a single window clearance mechanism for film shooting in India. It aims to replace the bureaucratic multiple permission process that foreign crews have to go through currently.