International Forum “Creativity for the Sake of Humanity” Brings Russian and Indian Cultural Initiatives Together at Mosfilm
On 27 October 2026, the international forum “Creativity for the Sake of Humanity” was held at Mosfilm, the legendary Russian film studio. The event brought together representatives of culture, the arts, cinema and international cooperation.
The initiative was launched by IFree (Dubai), with the BRICS Culture Media Forum (BCMF) serving as the organiser. The forum’s partners included The Times of Russia, the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India in Russia, the League of Arab States Representation in Russia, the World Alliance “Peacemaker”, Natsrezerv, Epoch of BRICS magazine and the Noi Production Centre.
Distinguished guests included Walid Hamid Shiltaq, Ambassador of the League of Arab States to Russia; Dr Jaan Nissar Lone, Global President of the BRICS Culture Media Forum; Yuri Rozum, People’s Artist of Russia; and Alisa Krylova, a representative of MISIS Globe.
The forum was moderated by Sergey Dvoryanov, Vice President of the BRICS Culture Media Forum and editor of The Times of Russia, and Yuri Safronov, Secretary-General of the World Alliance “Peacemaker”. The event was hosted by actor and producer Oleg Lebedev-Bovolsky and singer Daria Startseva.
Art as a Language of International Dialogue
An Indian dance performance was one of the highlights of the cultural programme. The traditional dance Ganesh Vandana was performed by the ensemble of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India in Russia, under the direction of Ms Kalyani Sawadkar, a JNCC instructor and performer of the classical Indian dance form Kathak. This traditional dance offering to Lord Ganesha provided a vivid reflection of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Vladimir Kedrinsky, founder of IFree and a producer, presented three of the company’s projects: the trans-opera Genesis, the documentary film Narcosis and the show Divergence. The presentation showcased the diversity of IFree’s creative activities and its commitment to developing ambitious projects at the intersection of art, music and innovative formats.
Dr Jaan Nissar Lone, Global President of the BRICS Culture Media Forum, welcomed the participants and guests, emphasising the importance of cooperation with IFree and the development of international cultural initiatives. He also spoke about the spiritual dimension of creativity and the new sound of the Mystic Papizh project, expressing his gratitude to Vladimir Kedrinsky for his collaboration and support.
BAARISH: A Musical Bridge Between Russia and India
One of the notable highlights of the forum was the presentation of the music video BAARISH, bringing together Russian and Indian actors. The song was written and performed by Dr Jaan Nissar Lone, while the leading female role was played by Elina Adamova, Director of International Relations at the BRICS Culture Media Forum. In the video, she portrays a Kashmiri woman whose story unfolds against a backdrop of Sufi-inspired melodies and the singer’s voice.
The project has attracted considerable audience attention, garnering 2.1 million views on YouTube within several months. However, its creators emphasise that the significance of BAARISH extends beyond visual aesthetics and commercial success. At its heart are spirituality, emotional connections between cultures and the ability to tell stories that resonate with people across national borders.
BAARISH can be viewed as an example of cultural soft power, bringing Russia and India closer through music, cinema and collaborative creativity.
Ramayana: Rediscovering a Shared Cultural Heritage
Elina Adamova also presented the trailer for the ambitious Indian film Ramayana, speaking about the longstanding cultural ties between Russia and India and the prospects for developing joint film production.
Particular attention was drawn to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call to expand cooperation in cinema and create more joint film projects. The work of Raj Kapoor, whose films enjoyed immense popularity in the Soviet Union, remains a historic symbol of Russian-Indian friendship.
The new film Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, grandson of Raj Kapoor, is seen as an opportunity to revisit the shared cultural space of the two countries and strengthen Russian audiences’ interest in Indian cinema.
The presentation addressed not only the film’s artistic and production significance but also the spiritual meaning of the ancient Ramayana epic, its moral principles and its unifying power. The concept of collective prayer was given particular prominence as a symbol of unity and mutual understanding. The project’s musical score is associated with the renowned composers A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.
It was also noted that negotiations with Russian film distributors are progressing successfully, opening up new opportunities for the film’s promotion in the Russian market.
Culture as a Foundation for International Cooperation
The forum “Creativity for the Sake of Humanity” demonstrated how music, dance, cinema and contemporary artistic formats can serve as instruments of cultural diplomacy. The initiatives presented at the event brought together Russian and Indian cultural traditions, international creative projects and a shared commitment to dialogue between nations.
From the traditional Indian dance Ganesh Vandana to contemporary music and cinematic productions, the programme highlighted the importance of cultural heritage and its ability to inspire new forms of cooperation.
The event provided a platform for exchanging ideas, strengthening professional ties and exploring prospects for joint projects in the fields of art and cinema. Its central message was clear: creativity can transcend borders, bring people together and lay the foundations for mutual understanding among nations.
