Under the patronage of the Indian Embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, the Indian Cinema Days event opened on 10 August at Al-Hanager Cinema in the Cairo Opera House complex.
The inauguration was attended by India’s newly appointed Ambassador to Cairo, Suresh K. Reddy, alongside architect Hamdi El-Setouhy, Head of the Cultural Development Fund Sector.
Organised by the Cultural Development Fund Sector and the Indian Embassy in Egypt, the event offers audiences four cinematic nights celebrating the magic and artistic diversity of Bollywood, running from 10 to 13 August.
Also present at the opening were Prakash Chaudhari, Director of the Indian Cultural Centre; Ambassador Alia Borhan, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cultural Relations; several foreign ambassadors; and a host of cinema enthusiasts.
In his speech, El-Setouhy warmly welcomed attendees, expressing his delight at hosting one of the key events that strengthen cultural cooperation between Egypt and India.
He emphasised that art is a universal language that transcends linguistic and dialectical barriers, connecting people with ease.
“Countries with rich civilisational roots, such as Egypt and India, bear the responsibility to harness this human language to foster cross-cultural communication and build shared awareness,” he said.
El-Setouhy noted that cinema is not merely entertainment, but a cultural product that reflects identity and civilisation. “The higher the cultural value of such a product, the more it transcends time and becomes a heritage for future generations — much like architecture, fine arts, music, and even traditional cuisine.”
He stressed that creators and cultural institutions must produce art imbued with such values to ensure the continuity and development of civilisation.
El-Setouhy regarded the Indian Cinema Days as the start of a fruitful, long-term collaboration between the Cultural Development Fund and the Indian Embassy in Cairo, expressing his hope that cinema would remain a lasting bridge for dialogue and human connection.
The programme features screenings of four notable films: English Vinglish, Goodbye, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and RRR — an epic tale of friendship and bravery, and one of Bollywood’s most successful modern productions.
Before the film festival, the Indian Embassy in Cairo, in cooperation with Assiut Governorate, successfully hosted the Indian Cultural Festival in Assiut on 5 and 6 August, showcasing a vibrant blend of Indian and Egyptian traditions.
Indian Ambassador Suresh K. Reddy and Governor of Assiut Hesham Aboul Nasr celebrate Indian culture in Assiut.
The two-day festival was inaugurated by the Governor of Assiut, Hesham Aboul Nasr, and Ambassador Suresh K. Reddy.
The event drew enthusiastic participation from the local community, creating a lively atmosphere of cultural exchange.
Audiences were treated to captivating Indian performances, including Kathak, Bollywood dance, Garba, a yoga flash mob, and the “Incredible India” exhibition, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Adding to the spirit of cultural fusion, Egyptian folk performances such as the mesmerising Tanoura and traditional stick dance delighted the crowd.
Traditional Indian dances performed at the festival.
As part of the festivities, two acclaimed Indian films — RRR and Goodbye — were screened to packed cinema halls, offering audiences an authentic Bollywood experience.
The screenings received warm appreciation, further strengthening the cultural ties between India and Egypt.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Reddy expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Assiut and the local community for their support in making the festival a success, underlining the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering friendship and mutual understanding between nations.
Governor of Assiut Hesham Aboul Nasr, India Ambassador Suresh K. Reddy open The Incredible India exhibition in Assiut.
The Indian Cultural Festival in Assiut stands as a testament to the shared love for art, music, dance and cinema. It marks another milestone in the deep-rooted cultural partnership between India and Egypt.
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