Cannes Film Festival 2023: Minister of State L. Murugan To Lead A Delegation Wearing 'Veshti'

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Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan is all set to lead the Indian delegation at Cannes Film Festival 2023 and make India proud.

According to news reports, L Murugan will leave for France on Saturday, 21 May 2023 from India and reach on Sunday, 22 May 2023. He has various events and meetings to attend at the film festival. Last year too he attended the Cannes Film Festival as India was the Country of Honour.

However, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, who led last year's Indian delegation at Cannes, will be unable to attend the event this year and address the inaugural through a video message.

On Tuesday, 16 May 2023, the office of Dr L Murugan took to Twitter, to share the news. The Office of Dr L Murugan wrote, 'Union Mos @Murugan_MoS Ji is going to lead the Indian delegations this year along with Oscar-Winning Film-maker Guneet Monga, Miss World 2017 winner Manushi Chillar, Esha Gupta, and acclaimed Manipuri actor Kangabam Tomba on the red carpet.'

On Facebook, he shared a two-minute video which said, 'With the spirit of Vasudaiva Kudumbakam of 'One Earth One Family One Future', which highlights our vibrant Indian culture while highlighting the strength of the creative economy, the Indian Pavillion - inspired by Saraswati Yantra - is ready to showcase the beauty of India's rich culture and creativity. India will also showcase talented filmmakers of India to Cannes and explore the collaborations of Indian filmmakers on a global platform!'

L Murugan hails from Tamil Nadu and he has chosen to don a traditional veshti on the red carpet ditching a Western outfit. Also, the shirt that he will wear will have the national flag on the left side and the G20 logo on the right side. The embroidery has been done by a local tailor.

While talking to ANI, he said, 'The embroidery on the shirt has been done by my local tailor. It makes me immensely proud to wear the tricolour on my chest...Since we are doing so many events and showcasing our heritage at the G20 year-long plan, it is only fit that we tell the world about it.'

'Veshti' is a beautiful men's garment from the sartorial world of South India and it is basically a pure white, unstitched garment that is worn both for rituals and regular use. While silks are preferred for rituals and auspicious occasions, a simple white cotton veshti is preferred for daily wear.

This year, four Indian films have made it to the official selection at Cannes 2023. 'Agra' (Director Kanu Behl), Kennedy (Director Anurag Kashyap), Ishanhou (A restored Manipuri film by the National Film Archives of India), and many Indian films are slotted for being screened in Marche du Films.