Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra – Festival Director

Director

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is an acclaimed filmmaker known for directing iconic films including Rang De Basanti, Delhi-6, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Winner of National and Filmfare Awards for Best Director, his film Rang De Basanti was India's Oscar entry and received a BAFTA nomination. His works have been showcased at Venice, London, Busan, and Chicago film festivals. In 2024-25, he served as Chairperson of the International Jury at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI Goa), leading the distinguished panel in selecting the Golden Peacock winner. As Festival Director of IFFD 2026, Mehra brings his visionary approach to establishing Delhi as a global cinema hub.

Ajay Bijli – Co-Chair

Founder, PVR Cinemas

Ajay Bijli is the visionary entrepreneur behind PVR Cinemas, India's largest and most influential cinema chain. He revolutionized the Indian moviegoing experience by introducing the multiplex concept and premium theater formats, transforming how audiences engage with cinema. Under his leadership, PVR became a household name, expanding across the country and setting new standards for exhibition quality, technology, and customer experience. As Chairman and Managing Director, Bijli continues to drive innovation in film distribution and exhibition infrastructure. A committed stakeholder in Indian cinema's ecosystem, he plays a crucial role in shaping theatrical exhibition's future, supporting diverse content, and ensuring cinema remains a vibrant cultural experience for audiences nationwide.

Manoj Tiwari

Actor, Singer & Member of Parliament

Manoj Tiwari is a multifaceted personality—Bhojpuri cinema superstar, acclaimed singer, and three-term Member of Parliament from North East Delhi. Starting his career with the blockbuster Sasura Bada Paisawala (2003), he became one of Bhojpuri cinema's biggest stars, appearing in 75+ films. His iconic song "Jiya Ho Bihar Ke Lala" from Gangs of Wasseypur achieved pan-India popularity. Transitioning to politics, Tiwari joined BJP in 2014, winning consecutive Lok Sabha elections and serving as Delhi BJP President (2016-2020), leading the party to historic MCD victory in 2017. His unique blend of entertainment industry credibility and grassroots political connect makes him an influential cultural and political voice.

Ravi Kishan

Actor & Member of Parliament

Ravi Kishan is a celebrated actor and public figure with over 30 years in Indian cinema. His dynamic performances have won him devoted fans across Hindi and Bhojpuri films, establishing him as one of regional cinema's most recognizable faces. Beyond the silver screen, Ravi has made his mark as a successful producer, demonstrating entrepreneurial vision within the entertainment industry. Currently serving as a Member of Parliament, he channels his passion for public service into legislative work, advocating for the arts and cultural sectors. His dual commitment to cinema and governance reflects a rare blend of artistic excellence and civic responsibility, making him an influential voice in both domains.

Kartikeya Sharma

Founder, iTV Network & Member of Parliament

Kartikeya Sharma is the Founder of iTV Network and a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). A pioneering media entrepreneur, he has built a formidable presence across news, digital, and entertainment platforms through India News, NewsX, and The Sunday Guardian, seamlessly integrating broadcast and digital storytelling. Beyond media, he leads the NXT platform and spearheads NaMo Shakti Rath, the world's largest AI-powered breast cancer screening mission. His multifaceted work spans cinema support, digital governance initiatives, youth empowerment programs, sports development, and preventive healthcare. Sharma represents a new generation of leaders who leverage media and technology for both commercial success and social impact at scale.

Anupam Kher

Actor, Director & Former FTII Chairman

Anupam Kher is a legendary Indian actor with over 540 films spanning four decades across Hindi and international cinema. Winner of two National Film Awards, eight Filmfare Awards, and recipient of Padma Shri (2004) and Padma Bhushan (2016), Kher's breakthrough role in Saaransh (1984) established him as one of Indian cinema's most versatile performers. His international work includes acclaimed films like Bend It Like Beckham, Silver Linings Playbook, and Lust, Caution, along with series New Amsterdam and Sense8. Founder of Actor Prepares acting academy and a published author, Kher served as Chairman of Film and Television Institute of India and the Censor Board, cementing his status as both artist and institution-builder.

Vani Tripathi Tikoo

Actor, Producer & Cultural Leader

Vani Tripathi Tikoo is an actor, producer, author, and cultural leader whose work spans theatre, cinema, and public policy. One of the youngest members of India's Central Board of Film Certification, she has performed in 50 plays, 40 television serials, and six films, trained under legendary theatre maestro Ebrahim Alkazi. She founded India's first state-run drama school in Bhopal (2011), strengthening theatre education. A Core Steering Committee member of IFFI Goa for nearly a decade, she represented India at Cannes 2022. Her recent book Why Can't Elephants Be Red? has garnered global attention. Vani champions women's political participation and youth empowerment through active socio-political engagement.

Khushboo Sundar

Actor, Producer, Politician & Social Activist

Khushboo Sundar is a celebrated Indian actor, producer, television host, and political leader whose four-decade career spans over 200 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema. Beginning as a child actor at age eight, she became such a cultural phenomenon that fans built a temple in her honor in Trichy. As Managing Director of Avni Cinemax Pvt. Ltd., she has produced 25+ films with an 80% success rate. Currently serving as State Vice President of BJP Tamil Nadu and General Secretary of Small Screen Producers' Council, Khushboo is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, LGBTQ rights, and social reform, combining artistic excellence with meaningful social impact.

Divya Dutta

Actor & Author

With over two decades in cinema, Divya Dutta is a National Film Award and Filmfare Award-winning actor with 200+ films spanning mainstream, independent, and international cinema. Her acclaimed performances include Chhaava, Bandish Bandit, Veer-Zaara, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and Delhi-6. Beyond acting, she is a celebrated author whose autobiographical works Me and Ma and The Stars in My Sky have garnered critical praise. Divya seamlessly bridges Hindi and regional cinema, recently making her South debut with Mayasabha. A champion of realism and meaningful storytelling, she represents Indian cinema at global festivals, advocating for stories rooted in womanhood, identity, and authentic human experiences.

Daggubati Suresh Babu

Producer & Distributor

Daggubati Suresh Babu is a renowned producer and distributor who has shaped Telugu cinema for over two decades. Since his debut as producer with Bobbili Raja in 1999, he has delivered numerous successes under his Suresh Productions banner, including Ganesh, Coolie No.1, Malliswari, Masala, and Oh Baby. His production house, established by his legendary father D. Ramanaidu, continues the family legacy of supporting diverse storytelling in Telugu cinema. Beyond production, Suresh Babu's distribution network has been instrumental in bringing films to audiences across South India. Honored with the Andhra Pradesh state Nagireddy-Chakrapani National Award, he remains a pillar of the Telugu film industry, championing both commercial and content-driven cinema.

R. S. Prasanna

Director & Screenwriter

R. S. Prasanna is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker known for three consecutive blockbusters, including Sitaare Zameen Par starring Aamir Khan, which made history by mainstreaming neurodivergent talent on the big screen. Featured on IMDB's Top Directors 2025 list, Prasanna combines sensitive topics with humor and emotion, bringing taboo subjects into mainstream cinema. His previous blockbuster Shubh Mangal Saavdhan addressed unconventional themes, adapted from his Tamil cult hit Kalyana Samayal Saadham. A Gold Medallist from LV Prasad Film & TV Academy, he has represented India at Berlin Film Festival and received the Asian Film Academy Fellowship at Busan. He actively mentors young filmmakers through corporate workshops.

Shibasish Sarkar

Producer & Studio Executive

Shibasish Sarkar is Group CEO of Reliance Entertainment, overseeing films, television, OTT, animation, and gaming. With 32 years of industry experience spanning 500+ films, he has led blockbusters including Simmba, Super 30, Sooryavanshi, and Singham Again. A three-time President of the Indian Film Producer's Guild, he pioneered Reliance's digital content strategy with landmark series Sacred Games, Jubilee, and Indian Police Force. His career includes senior roles at Viacom18 and UTV Disney, focusing on business growth and strategic alliances. Holding qualifications as Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, Company Secretary, and MBA, Sarkar brings rare operational depth across creative and commercial verticals in entertainment.

Nimrat Kaur

Actor

Nimrat Kaur is an accomplished actress known for her breakout role in the internationally acclaimed film The Lunchbox, which earned global recognition at Cannes and other prestigious festivals. Her compelling performance in the American series Homeland brought her international prominence, showcasing her ability to navigate diverse storytelling traditions. Nimrat's body of work spans arthouse cinema, mainstream Indian films, and global streaming series, demonstrating remarkable versatility. The subtlety and emotional depth of her craft give her a compelling presence in contemporary world cinema. Known for choosing meaningful, character-driven roles over conventional stardom, she represents a new generation of Indian actors with truly global appeal and artistic integrity.

Sunit Tandon

Media Personality & Cultural Administrator

Sunit Tandon is a veteran media personality with over three decades of experience across television, radio, and film. A former Director of India Habitat Centre and current President of the Delhi Music Society, he has served as Director General of IIMC, Festival Director of IFFI Goa, and Chief Executive of Lok Sabha TV. A passionate theatre artist, Tandon has directed over 25 productions and acted in 200 plays, showcasing his deep commitment to performing arts. His film appearances include Dil Bechara, Bell Bottom, and Tejas. Tandon's distinguished career spans cultural administration, media leadership, and artistic creation, making him a respected voice in Indian cultural institutions and entertainment policy.

Rekha Gupta

Film Curator, Creative Consultant & Film Critic

Rekha Gupta is a noted Delhi-based film curator, creative consultant, and film critic. She has been a Preview Committee member for the International Film Festival of India for nine years and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Film Festival, Mumbai, and serves on juries for festivals including Bengaluru IFF, Chitra Bharti, Jagran, and Celebrating India Film Festival. A former member of the Central Board of Film Certification and special invitee at BRICS India Film Festival 2016, she is film curator for Udaan Delhi Film Society and Apeejay Institute for Mass Media Film Unit, and National President (Women Wing) of Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch. She has won the Vaishy Gaurav Samman, Women Icon Award, Bharat Icon Award, and Virangana Samman, among others.

Dr Aahana Chopra

Media Professor, Advisory Panel Member, CBFC

Dr. Aahana Chopra is a film scholar and media educator with significant engagement in Indian cinema through film certification, academic research, and film festival participation. She is currently serving on the Advisory Panel of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India (2022–Present). She has certified more than 300 films and songs across Hindi, Punjabi, Garhwali, Bhojpuri, and Gujarati cinema, contributing to the evaluation of works spanning feature films, documentaries, and music productions. Alongside her certification work, she remains actively associated with film festival screening committees and continues to pursue academic research on cinema and screen media.

Atul Gangwar

Writer

Atul Gangwar is a prominent filmmaker and veteran jury member in the Indian film circuit. His biographical documentary, Main Nida (2024), earned high honors with its selection for the Indian Panorama at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Beyond directing, Gangwar is a trusted voice in film adjudication. He served on the juries for the 51st and 52nd IFFI, the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), and the 71st National Film Awards (2025). In 2025, he also joined the IFFI Best Web Series Preview Committee, cementing his status as a key influencer in Indian cinema's evaluation and preservation.

Guneet Monga

Producer and Founder, Sikhya Entertainment

Guneet Monga is a two-time Academy Award-winning producer and founder of Sikhya Entertainment. She won Oscars for The Elephant Whisperers (2023) and Period. End of Sentence (2019), becoming the first producer to bring Oscar glory to an Indian production house. Among the first Indian producers inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (2018), Monga has produced acclaimed films including The Lunchbox (BAFTA-nominated), Gangs of Wasseypur, Masaan, Pagglait, and SooraraiPottru. A BAFTA nominee and recipient of France's Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, she champions content-driven cinema and women's empowerment through Indian Women Rising collective. Her work bridges Indian independent cinema with global audiences.

Madhur Bhandarkar

Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer

Maverick filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar is one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful filmmakers in India. Known for his realistic and hard-hitting films, he has directed several box office hits such as Chandni Bar, Page 3, Corporate, Traffic Signal, Fashion, Heroine, Indu Sarkar, and his latest OTT hit Babli Bouncer and India Lockdown. His films have made a profound impact on society and garnered global recognition from film audience around the world. With 5 National Awards and a Padma Shri awardee.