11 May,2026 10:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar cancels his Cannes Film Festival (File pic)
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to unnecessary expenditures during challenging times amid West Asia tensions, Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar on Monday said that he has decided to cancel his planned visit to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year.
Shelar, who also holds the portfolios of electronics, information technology, and artificial intelligence, while issuing an official statement, said, "the decision was taken as part of a broader effort to exercise restraint in government expenditure while prioritising national interest."
He said, "In view of the prevailing situation and the prime minister's appeal, we have decided to impose restraint on departmental spending and ensure prudent use of resources."
Shelar further added that greater emphasis would now be placed on conducting official meetings through virtual platforms, reducing travel-related expenditure and ensuring limited and efficient use of departmental resources.
Despite his absence from the international film festival in France, Shelar assured that all relevant government agencies would continue functioning as planned to ensure coordination and support for all the Marathi films participating in Cannes.
Ashish Shelar further stated that he would participate virtually wherever required to extend support and encouragement to the Marathi film industry and ensure Maharashtra's cinematic presence remains strong on the global stage.
The decision comes as part of a larger effort by the state government to align with the centre's call for fiscal prudence while continuing to support cultural and creative initiatives through alternative means.
The move has been viewed as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the national leadership's appeal, balancing administrative responsibility with continued support for Marathi cinema's growing international recognition.
PM Modi, addressing a public meeting organised by the BJP at Parade Grounds at Secunderabad on Sunday, May 10, appealed to citizens to conserve fuel, use public transport, revive work from home, avoid non-essential goods purchases and overseas vacations to save foreign exchange to combat the global crisis triggered by the ongoing war in West Asia.
Suggesting a slew of measures to citizens to help the country overcome the challenges, he emphasised that patriotism is not only about sacrificing one's life for the nation, but also about living responsibly and fulfilling duties towards the country during difficult times, as per IANS.
Modi further stated that in the current situation, the nation must also place great emphasis on saving foreign exchange.
