Exclusive: ‘Culture is a powerful soft power’: Ricky Kej on meeting President Macron

Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej joined French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, in Mumbai on Tuesday, as part of the official French delegation for the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, launched jointly by Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.In an exclusive chat with us, the composer described it as an honour and a privilege to be a part of this. “I’m really fortunate and honoured to be part of the French delegation to India,” Kej said. “It’s amazing to be in the presence of such an incredible world leader like President Macron and of course Madam Brigitte.” The visit turned memorable even before landing in India. Kej happened to be in Paris at the time and travelled aboard the presidential aircraft with Macron. “We ended up having dinner together on the plane and had beautiful conversations on India and France, on culture and the impact that culture has, and how important soft power is in today’s world,” he shared. A casual photograph taken on the flight has since captured public attention. The delegation landed in Mumbai close to midnight and headed straight to the Taj Mahal Palace hotel before a packed schedule began the next day. One of the highlights was a lunch interaction with members of the Hindi film industry, including filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, actors Anil Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee, director Zoya Akhtar and veteran actor Shabana Azmi, alongside the French delegation. “It was a beautiful discussion on how India and France can cooperate in getting stories of France out in India and Indian stories out in France.. We spoke about uplifting arthouse cinema in both countries, and about meaningful cooperation, financially and creatively, and cross-cultural collaborations within the movie industry," said Kej.The musician's association with Macron goes back a few years. He first met the French President during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State visit to France in 2023, where they dined at the Louvre Museum. The two reconnected in December 2024 in Riyadh at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) conference. “Both him and his wife Brigitte are absolutely generous people, very good human beings,” Kej said and added, “President Macron is a great leader, someone who brings people together. It’s been wonderful spending time with him.” Talking about the next part of his journey, the musician said, "On the afternoon of the 18th, our presidential convoy – a 30-vehicle strong procession – sliced through Mumbai's streets, reaching the airport in a swift 30 minutes. At the special terminal, we boarded the plane to Delhi, where President Macron and Madame Brigitte repeated their warm ritual, walking the aisle to greet each of us individually. As they paused at my seat, I shared my delight in the trip, the connections made, and my conviction that these moments would forge a meaningful India-France bond. We explored ideas for future collaborations, and soon we were airborne, bound for Delhi, carrying the promise of a partnership nurtured through people, not just policy."Later, at the French Institute, President Macron immersed himself in the collaborative art exhibits, spending time with each artist. Ricky shared, "Amidst the crowd of 200+, President Macron and Madame Brigitte made each person feel seen, pausing for photos, and listening intently, a testament to their remarkable ability to connect. After the French Institute event, President Macron and Madame Brigitte Macron departed for their official duties, while the delegation attended a beautiful sit-down dinner. The following day we accompanied Madame Brigitte Macron for a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, managed by the Aga Khan Foundation. We toured the sunken museum, designed so as not to obstruct the view of the tomb, and whose exhibits were world-class, with thoughtfully curated artifacts and a seamless flow. Ratish Nanda, Chief Executive of the foundation, shared deep historical knowledge and conservation insights while adding a touch of humor, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. As Madame Brigitte Macron and I wandered through, exchanging thoughts, I couldn't help but think – she's a gem of a First Lady. Her genuine curiosity and warmth made the history lesson a delight, leaving me with a memory I'll treasure. We then visited the main tomb. The steps were large and uneven, requiring caution. Madame Brigitte and I held hands and carefully navigated the steps. Though I found the climb physically taxing, she was remarkably fit and graceful. She was attentive to every detail, ensuring we did not skip any exhibits, prolonging the visit to fully appreciate the site. During the tour, a French tourist expressed her gratitude for Madame Brigitte’s humility, noting that the monument was open to regular visitors despite the visit of such a high-profile dignitary as her. Lunch that afternoon was at Dum Pukht in ITC Maurya, where Madame Brigitte and all of us enjoyed a full traditional Indian meal, including naan, lamb chops, chicken tikka, roti, dal, and biryani, while I had a lovely vegetarian meal."The musician added, "The French I've met embody humility and generosity, but President Macron sets the bar high. Beyond his public persona, his genuine care for people shines through, even off-camera. He's a leader who commands respect the moment he enters a room, yet makes everyone feel like an old friend – a rare blend. Whether in a plane cabin, boardroom or a stadium - he infuses spaces with warmth and energy, leaving a lasting impression on all he meets. His authenticity is infectious, making interactions feel truly memorable. This extraordinary journey - a tapestry of culture, art, diplomacy, and human connection – left me with an abiding sense of President Macron's warmth and the promise of India-France collaboration and joint innovation. The future hinges on these quiet exchanges: students sharing classrooms, technicians learning side-by-side, musicians jamming across continents, writers sharing stories. These micro-bridges, easy to overlook, are the threads that weave a profound partnership.As India and France chart their course for deeper partnership, let us invest in the changemakers who shape hearts and minds – artists, educators, and cultural workers. The payoff may not be instant headlines, but the slow-burning trust they forge is priceless. Soft power, I've come to realize, is not about projection, but about presence – a subtle yet potent force that can reshape the future."