City anchor: Gabbar meets Paro, sets date for Republic Day parade

In olive green fatigues and with ammunition belt wrapped around his shoulder, 'Gabbar' trains his gun at the audience as 'Krrish' decides to take him on. On the side stands 'Paro', looking innocently at the two. 'Janice' (Zeenat Aman in Hare Rama Hare Krishna) somehow is not too disturbed, she continues to dance.

The characters will be joined by others when the Ministry of Information of Broadcasting tableau will roll past the lawns of India Gate during the Republic Day celebrations. The I&B Ministry is celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema.

The tableau 'Cinema Mayur Pankhi', say officials, is a symbolic representation of the mythical "bird-boat" celebrating Indian cinema's contribution to the society. Complete with a reel showing snapshots and milestones of Bollywood's journey through the decades, the tableau comes to life each time its characters start their performance.

"The tableau would be led by a muhurat — as it the tradition before starting the shoot of a film. Major milestones (will be enacted) and characters of Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol would perform," Hamid Hussain, APRO (Defence), told Newsline.

The dress rehearsal for the tableau parade was held in Delhi Cantonment on Tuesday.

Ministry of Social Justice's tableau focuses on inclusion and empowerment of disabled persons. It showcases persons with disabilities as equal citizens, enjoying all fundamental rights and freedom in an "inclusive" society.

Meghalya has a beautiful tableau called 'Hundred Drums Wangala Festival'. It is conceptualised to depict Wangala — the harvest carnival celebrated by the Garo tribe. Wangala dance, one of the performers says, is performed to the beat of oval-shaped drums known as dama.

"Other local instruments such as gongs and horns are used too. People dress in colourful garments and feathered headgear," she says.

Himachal Pradesh's tableau highlights the rich craft, architecture and folk life of Kinnaur. A tribal girl in a bridal dress and jewellery stands in the front part of the stage. The middle of the tableau represents the Rath of Devta (a deity's palanquin), studded with masks made by local artisans in gold and silver.

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