‘Na De Dil Pardesi Nu’: Macron Bollywood-Style Farewell to India Sparks Viral Frenzy

New Delhi, February 20, 2026: In a masterstroke of digital diplomacy that has set the internet ablaze, French President Emmanuel Macron concluded his high-profile state visit to India with a viral cinematic tribute. Sharing a 43-second montage of his trip on social media, Macron bid farewell with the high-octane track ‘Na De Dil Pardesi Nu’ from the 2026 Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar, leading netizens to claim he has “trolled” Pakistan through his choice of soundtrack.

A Diplomatic Farewell with a “Dhurandhar” Twist

The video, which Macron shared on X (formerly Twitter) on February 19, 2026, captures the highlights of his three-day visit. From a warm embrace with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai to his morning jog through the city streets and his participation in the AI Impact Summit, the montage serves as a visual diary of a partnership at its “highest point.”

However, it was the background music that stole the show. By choosing the title track of Dhurandhar—a film that recently overtook Pushpa 2 to become the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time—Macron tapped directly into India’s current pop-culture zeitgeist.

“That Dhurandhar song in the background is just lit,” wrote one user, while another commented, “Goated track with goated leaders.”

The “Troll” Narrative: India vs. Pakistan

The choice of song has taken on a geopolitical life of its own. Indian social media users were quick to point out that Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is a high-stakes action thriller centered on Indian intelligence thwarting cross-border threats.

Netizens suggested that by using a song from a movie famously themed around India’s national security and regional dominance, Macron subtly “trolled” Pakistan. This sentiment was further amplified by a recent blunder from Islamabad, where an official statement misspelt the United States as the “Unites States of Americas,” making the contrast in global “soft power” diplomacy even more apparent to social media commentators.

Beyond the Music: A “Special Global Strategic Partnership”

While the video provided a lighthearted end to the trip, the actual diplomatic outcomes were heavyweight:

• Year of Innovation 2026: Both leaders officially launched the “India-France Year of Innovation” to boost tech collaboration.
• Defence Deals: Significant progress was made on the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and the establishment of a new H125 helicopter assembly line.
• AI Leadership: In New Delhi, Macron emphasized that France and India are now co-leading the global conversation on ethical Artificial Intelligence.

The Verdict

Whether the song choice was a deliberate jab or simply a savvy nod to India’s cinematic success, the result is the same: Macron has won the hearts of millions of Indian “netizens.” As the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, prepares for an Eid 2026 release, it seems the French President has already secured a front-row seat in India’s cultural and strategic landscape.