Director, Writer & Producer

Rajkumar Hirani is one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, widely known for his masterful direction and storytelling that blends humor with poignant social commentary. His directorial debut, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003), was a massive success, followed by the even more popular Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), which introduced the concept of Gandhigiri to mainstream audiences. Hirani’s films often explore themes of personal growth, societal issues, and human relationships, with works like 3 Idiots (2009), PK (2014), and Sanju (2018) solidifying his reputation as a master of both commercial and meaningful cinema. He is the founder and owns the production house Rajkumar Hirani Films.

Writer, Actor & Director

Boman Irani is an actor, voice artist and photographer; working primarily in Hindi cinema and theatre. He joined theatre in his late 30’s and moved to on-screen acting in 2000. Irani gained attention for his role in the 2003 comedy-drama, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S and has been on a trajectory of success ever since. He received several awards and tremendous acclaim for his performance in blockbusters such as Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006), 3 Idiots (2009), Main Hoon Na (2004), Housefull (2010), Don 2 (2011) and more. He has also launched a production house, Irani Movietone and successfully mentors budding writers under his writing workshop, Spiral Bound. He wrote and starred in the 2024 drama, The Mehta Boys which garnered widespread acclaim including winning awards at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival and International Film Festival of South Asia.

Director, Producer & Writer

Known for his distinctive storytelling style, Sudhir Mishra’s films such as Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Dharavi (1992), Chameli (2003) and Serious Men (2020) have earned critical praise for their complex characters and socially relevant narratives. His work often explores themes of politics, human desires, and social issues, making him one of the most respected filmmakers in Indian cinema. Mishra’s contributions to the industry have been recognized by the Government of India with three National Film Awards, and his work has also been acknowledged by the French government. With a career that has shaped contemporary Indian cinema, Mishra remains a key figure in the industry.

Actor, Director, Producer

Randeep Hooda made his debut in Monsoon Wedding (2001) and gained recognition with his performance in Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010), marking a turning point in his career. Hooda continued to wow audiences and showcase his talent in Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster (2011), Jannat 2 (2012), and Highway (2014), the latter of which earned him widespread critical acclaim. In addition to his success in Indian cinema, Hooda made his international debut in the American film Extraction (2020) and starred in the popular TV series CAT (2022).

Actor

Rasika Dugal is a highly acclaimed Indian actor known for her strong performances in films, original series, theater, and short films. Rasikas work in the entertainment industry is marked by her exploration of diverse characters in artistically challenging and socially relevant productions. She has garnered critical acclaim for her roles in feature films- ‘Manto’, ‘Hamid’, ‘Qissa’, ‘Kshay’, ‘Lootcase’, and short films- ‘Chutney’, ‘The School Bag’, ‘The Miniaturist of Junagadh’,’Banana Bread’ and ‘ The Broken Table’.

In the digital series, Rasika has delivered memorable performances, which have earned her a large and loyal fan following. Her portrayal of the bold and strong-willed Beena Tripathi in Amazon Prime’s ‘Mirzapur’ and the idealistic cop Neeti Singh in Netflix’s ‘Delhi Crime’ won her numerous accolades. Rasika also headlined the series ‘Out of Love’ on Hotstar as Dr Meera Kapoor and won the Best Actress award at the 2020 Asian Academy Creative Awards. She has also played Savita Mehra in the limited series ‘A Suitable Boy’ directed by Mira Nair.

Recently, Rasika renewed her commitment to independent cinema by turning producer with the improvised film ‘Fairy Folk’ in which she also plays one of the lead parts.

Writer, Director & Producer

Vikramaditya Motwane is an award-winning Indian writer, director and producer.

His directorial debut Udaan was selected to compete in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ category at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. Vikramaditya has since directed Lootera, Trapped, Bhavesh Joshi Superhero and AK vs AK. He is the showrunner and co-director of Sacred Games, Netflix’s first Indian original series as well as the creator and director of Jubilee, an epic period series on Amazon Prime.

His most recent film is the screenlife thriller CTRL, and his most recent series, Black Warrant, a prison drama for Netflix, released to rave reviews in January 2025.

He’s also an ex-partner at Phantom Films and has produced films like Queen, Ugly, NH10, Masaan and Udta Punjab.

Director, Writer, Producer & Music Director

Bhardwaj is one of the most influential filmmakers in Indian cinema, with a reputation for tackling complex themes and creating compelling narratives that resonate with audiences globally. Known for his adaptations of Shakespearean works, Bhardwaj’s films such as Maqbool (2003), Omkara (2006), and Haider (2014) have garnered widespread critical acclaim. Other prominent films written and produced by him are Makdee, Ishqiya, Dedh Ishqiya and Talvar (based on the Noida double murder case). His music compositions, including for Satya (1998) and Godmother (1999), have also been highly praised, earning him many accolades.

Director & Screenwriter

Dibakar Banerjee is known for his sharp social commentary and innovative filmmaking style. His debut film Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006) earned widespread acclaim for its portrayal of the struggles of the Indian middle class. Banerjee continued to build on his success with films such as Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010), Shanghai (2012), and Detective Byomkesh Bakshi (2015). His work often delves into the complexities of Indian society, challenging societal norms and pushing the envelope of Indian cinema.

Director, Writer & Actor

Tigmanshu Dhulia is a veteran Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor, known for his raw and gritty storytelling. His directorial works, such as Haasil (2003), Paan Singh Tomar (2012), and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (2011), have earned him recognition for portraying complex characters in intense, dramatic narratives. Paan Singh Tomar won multiple awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Dhulia’s films often explore themes of power, ambition, and human resilience. He has also acted in several films and television series, showcasing his multifaceted talents within the film industry.

Director, Screenwriter & Author

Bose earned her breakthrough with her first feature film, the 2005 biographical drama Amu, which was based on her own novel of the same name. The film which chronicles the attacks on Sikhs in Delhi in 1984, garnered critical acclaim and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English. She continued to amaze audiences with Margarita with a Straw (2014), which explored themes of disability and sexual identity with sensitivity and authenticity. Her subsequent film, The Sky is Pink (2019), received critical acclaim for its portrayal of a family’s journey through grief and hope. Bose’s films are known for their humanistic approach and personal storytelling, making her one of the most respected filmmakers in contemporary Indian cinema.

Director & Casting Director

Mukesh Chhabra is a talent powerhouse at the forefront of Indian cinema and entertainment. As one of Bollywood’s most influential casting directors, he has been the key force in shaping the careers of the industry’s biggest stars. With an eye for raw talent and a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling, he brings together the perfect synergy of actors, filmmakers, and visionaries to create magic on-screen.

From blockbuster films to high-profile OTT projects and premium advertising campaigns, his legacy is built on excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to artistic quality. Beyond the glitz and glamour, Mukesh is equally passionate about discovering fresh talent—nurturing emerging artists and supporting young filmmakers on passion-driven projects. This blend of visionary insight and heartfelt mentorship continues to set new benchmarks in the industry and redefine cinematic excellence.

His diverse body of work includes IC814, 12th Fail, Poacher, Black Warrant, Santosh, Scam 1992, Delhi Crime, Dangal, PK, Chamkila, Dunki and Jawan

Actress

Shweta Tripathi gained recognition for her role in the critically acclaimed Masaan (2015), and her performance in the popular web series The Trip (2016) further cemented her reputation as a versatile actress. Tripathi appeared in films such as Haraamkhor (2015), Raat Akeli Hai (2020) and the Mirzapur series (2018), showcasing her ability to adapt to a wide range of characters. She continues to be one of the most promising talents in the Indian entertainment industry.

Actor & Casting Director

Abhishek Banerjee gained popularity for his roles in Stree (2018) and Bhediya (2022), where his performances were praised for their naturalistic approach. Banerjee is also a respected casting director, contributing to films like Dirty Picture (2011) and Sky is Pink (2019). His work in the critically acclaimed web series Pataal Lok (2020) brought him further recognition, making him one of the most versatile actors in contemporary Indian cinema.

Actress

Kritika Kamra rose to fame with popular TV series like Kitni Mohabbat Hai (2009) and Kuch Toh Log Kahenge and Reporters. Her foray into the big screen was marked by the 2018 film Mitron, where she portrayed the character Avni, further solidifying her presence in both television and cinema. Kritika has not only conquered screens but also serenaded audiences with her grace in music videos, featuring in the soulful tracks Mera Jahan (2017) and Hai Pyaar Kya (2019). Kritika Kamra continues to be a beloved figure in the hearts of her fans, and her journey stands as a testament to her dedication and talent.

Actor

Pratik Gandhi is a powerhouse performer who rose to national fame with his groundbreaking portrayal of Harshad Mehta in Scam 1992. An industrial engineer turned actor, he began his journey in Gujarati theatre before making a mark in cinema. With a diverse range of roles across theatre, films, and OTT, Pratik has impressed audiences with projects like Madgaon Express, Do Aur Do Pyaar, Agni, and Dhoom Dhaam. His upcoming films include Phule, where he plays social reformer Jyotirao Phule, and Hansal Mehta’s ambitious biopic series on Mahatma Gandhi. A true chameleon on screen, Pratik Gandhi continues to captivate audiences with his versatility and dedication to storytelling.

Actor & Producer

Rahul Bhat is a critically acclaimed actor, producer, and former supermodel with a commanding presence in global cinema. The only Kashmiri-born actor to walk the Cannes red carpet twice in a lead role, he delivered powerful performances in Anurag Kashyap’s Ugly (Best Film – Busan) and Kennedy (8-minute standing ovation at Cannes). His films have dominated top festivals, from Toronto and Sydney to South Korea and Switzerland.

A bold storyteller, he leads Film Tonic, driving high-impact global productions, including films shot in Uzbekistan, Canada, and Hollywood. From headlining Netflix’s #1 series Black Warrant to his record-breaking TV success in Heena, Rahul Bhat continues to redefine cinema with vision, intensity, and global appeal.

Actor

Shashank Arora gained early recognition with the film Titli (2014), which was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2016, he starred in Brahman Naman, which competed at the Sundance Film Festival, making Arora the first Indian actor to have films featured at both Cannes and Sundance. Later, he appeared in Zoo, India’s first feature-length film shot entirely on an iPhone 6s, which competed at the Busan International Film Festival and was later acquired by Netflix India. He has also featured in Lipstick Under My Burkha and The Song of Scorpions; as well as several short films including The Listener, Letters, and Others. More recently, Arora played a significant role in the Amazon Prime series Made In Heaven, and made his Malayalam cinema debut with Moothon, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.

Hansal Mehta is an Indian filmmaker known for directing films such as Shahid (2012), CityLights (2014), Aligarh (2015), Omerta (2017), and Faraaz (2023), each of which premiered at prestigious festivals in Toronto, Busan, and London. His recent film, The Buckingham Murders, starring acclaimed Indian actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2023 and was subsequently the opening film at the 2023 JioMAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The film has met with much acclaim.

Most recently, Mehta has been engaged in creating and directing an eight-part biopic on M K Gandhi. He has made significant strides in longform storytelling with Scam 1992, one of India’s most successful streaming shows and continued this success with Scoop, a Netflix series that garnered unanimous acclaim and numerous awards.

Sargun Mehta began her acting career with the TV series 12/24 Karol Bagh (2009), followed by a lead role in Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharmayudh (2010). She gained recognition with the drama Phulwa (2011) and later joined Kya Huaa Tera Vaada (2012), Balika Vadhu (2008) and Hum Ne Li Hai… Shapath.

Her breakthrough in Punjabi cinema came with the romantic comedy Angrej (2015), which became the second-highest-grossing Punjabi film of the year. Mehta’s film career continued to flourish with notable roles in hit films like Love Punjab (2016), Lahoriye (2017), Qismat (2018), Moh (2022) and Saunkan Saunkne (2022). Alongside her acting career, Sargun Mehta started a production house called Dreamiyata Entertainment Pvt Ltd in 2019.

Music Artist, Actor

Actress, Producer

Creator & Head Writer, ‘Table for One’

Dhruv Sehgal is a critically acclaimed and award-winning writer, actor, and director. Most popularly known for his original series ‘Little Things’. He wrote and directed an episode of ‘Modern Love – Mumbai’, for Amazon Prime Video. Sehgal has also worked as an associate director and co-editor with national award-winning Jaideep Verma for the documentaries ‘Baavra Mann’ and ‘I Am Offended’. He also wrote and directed the short film ‘Kunal’, which won the best short film at MAMI. For his work in Little Things he has won the prestigious CCSSA’s best writer and best actor award and FilmFare’s Best Actor – OTT.

Last year, he was a working on a series as a show-runner and head-writer with Clean Slate Filmz and he pitched his animated series ‘Table for One’, at the prestigious Annecy Festival in France. Dhruv is the creator and head-writer of the show. As a storyteller, Sehgal is interested in the everydayness of human relationships, the changing facets of urban life, and how one’s environment impacts the self.

 Actor, Producer, Director

Actor, Producer

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is an Indian film actor who has appeared in some of Bollywood’s major films including, Black Friday (2004), New York (2009), Peepli Live (2010), Kahani (2012), Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) and Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2 (2012).

Nawazuddin made his Bollywood debut in 1999, with a small role in Sarfarosh starring Aamir Khan. His appearance in Anurag Kashyap’s Black Friday (2007) paved the way for other powerful roles. His first lead role in a feature film was in Prashant Bhargava’s PATANG, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival. However it was his role as a journalist in Aamir Khan Productions’s Peepli Live (2010) that got him recognition as an actor. This was followed by a role as police informer Gopi in biopic, Paan Singh Tomar, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, also in the same year.

He became a household name post Kahaani (2012), where he played the archetypal short tempered cop Khan. Gangs of Wasseypur followed which furthered his fame. He played a lead role as Sonu Duggal in Ashim Ahluwalia’s Miss Lovely that premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, a role Nawazuddin describes as his “most real performance so far.”

Siddiqui is best known for his roles in The Lunchbox (2013), which premiered as part of the International Critics’ Week at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and won him multiple awards. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is the only Actor in the world who has 8 films officially selected and screened at the Cannes Film Festival. He stars in two Emmy nominated series, Sacred Games (2019), a two-season Netflix original series and United Kingdom’s McMafia directed by James Watkins. Recently, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was awarded with the highest honor, The Lesley Ho Asian Film Talent Award at the Singapore International Film Festival for his globally appreciated series Sacred Games duology.

Actor, Director & Producer

Manahar Kumar is a BAFTA Newcomer, writer-multiple student EMMY® award winning director-actor. While acting on-stage in classics like The Night of January 16 (John Graham Whitfield), The Mousetrap (Detective Sergeant Trotter) and 12 Angry Men (Juror No. 8), Manahar learnt, grew and fell in love with performing arts. Most recently he’s acted in the Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster Jawan and Amazon Prime’s International EMMY® nominated, Made In Heaven. He completed a stint in the Writers Room for a Jio Series, GOATS, premiering in 2025.

In Manipal, he co-founded a production house, Untied Laces.

As a Director-Producer he’s worked with non-profits like, Men Against Rape and Discrimination (MARD) and Chhoti Si Asha and brands like Deloitte and Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). Manahar’s thesis, Stardust won the “Audience Award” at Georgia Film Festival, recently screened at the International Film Festival of South Asia, Toronto, competing with his own shorts where he starred as the lead in Distant (Talent Performance EMMY® winner) and Mabrook.

Manahar’s films have been immensely appreciated at the Academy Award qualifying Atlanta Film Festival, Palm Springs International, Bentonville Film Festival, to name a few, also being a nominee by the Georgia Film Critics Association for the Oglethorpe Award for Excellence.

Actor & Filmmaker

Nandita Das has acted in more than 40 feature films in 10 different languages. Her directorial debut Firaaq (2008) premiered at TIFF and garnered accolades and critical appreciation, both in India and abroad. In 2011, she was conferred the ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters’ by the French Government. Her second directorial feature Manto,based on the life and works of writer Saadat Hasan Manto, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018. Her first book, Manto & I, chronicles her 6-year-long journey of making the film. In 2016, she founded Nandita Das Initiatives (NDI), a creative platform which produced her feature films Manto and Zwigato, her third directorial film which explores the life of a food delivery rider and his family. It premiered at TIFF and after its theatrical release, it is streaming on Amazon Prime. She directed and produced shorts such as India’s Got Colour and Listen to Her that shed light on important social issues. Nandita has a Master’s degree in Social Work and is a strong advocate for social justice.

Independent Journalist

Arshdeep is an independent journalist and translator contributing to BBC Punjabi, Voice of America (India), People’s Archive of Rural India among other publications. She won the Laadli Media and Advertising Award for gender sensitivity, supported by UNFPA, in 2023 for her reportage on domestic violence.

Arshdeep became interested in journalism as a medium of storytelling. Her long-form reportage focuses on marginalized people and their stories. She is also venturing into the space of documentary filmmaking and is working on a couple of projects.

Managing Director,  Applause Entertainment

Sameer Nair is a media veteran and content maverick with a remarkable career spanning three decades. As the Managing Director of Applause Entertainment, a venture of the Aditya Birla Group, Sameer leads a young, diverse and dynamic Creative and Business team that has, in 7 years, established an exceptional Content and IP Studio in India. Powered by its innovative Hub & Spoke Flywheel, Applause has created acclaimed shows like Black Warranr, The Scam Series, Tanaav, Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, Undekhi, Criminal Justice – Adhura Sach, and Mithya amongst others. Expanding its creative canvas, Applause has ventured into theatrical films and documentaries with notable projects like Zwigato, the Tamil blockbuster Por Thozhil, the rom-com Do Aur Do Pyaar, the direct-to-streaming film Sharmajee Ki Beti, and the docu-series Modern Masters. Applause has exciting content in the pipeline that includes an ambitious Mahatma Gandhi biopic series, a global animation series based on the ACK comics and a Big Movie Slate.

In the past, Sameer held CEO positions at Star India, NDTV Imagine, and Balaji Telefilms. He has been instrumental in the creation and success of iconic programs such as Kaun Banega Crorepati, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Koffee with Karan, The Great Indian Comedy Show, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Nach Baliye, Ramayan, and Rakhi Ka Swayamvar. Sameer Nair with his creative brilliance and business acumen has carved out a unique and influential niche in the media and entertainment landscape.

Actor

Bhuvan Arora is an Indian actor known for his work in Hindi films and television series. He graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India and began his acting career with roles in films such as Shuddh Desi Romance (2013), Tevar (2015), and Naam Shabana (2017). His performance in Shuddh Desi Romance led to a more prominent role in the comedy film Bank Chor (2017).

In 2018, Arora portrayed Rohan Rathore, a chauvinistic army aspirant, in the television series The Test Case. Critics praised his performance, with Gayatri Gauri of Firstpost noting that he “essays his role well without becoming a caricature.” He continued to build his career with a supporting role in the Netflix film Chaman Bahaar (2020).

Arora’s breakout role came in 2023 when he starred alongside Shahid Kapoor in the Amazon Prime Video crime drama series Farzi, playing the character Firoz. His portrayal received acclaim for his impressive comic timing and dialogue delivery. Nidhima Taneja of ThePrint highlighted his performance as the “breakout” of the series, adding that “the finesse in his performance, and his spot-on Mumbaiya dialect, is a treat to watch.”

In 2024, Arora took on supporting roles in two biographical films: Chandu Champion, starring Kartik Aaryan as Murlikant Petkar, and the Tamil war film Amaran, where he played Sepoy Vikram Singh alongside Sivakarthikeyan’s portrayal of Major Mukund Varadarajan. That same year, he starred in the MX Player series Fisaddi, depicting the life of two brothers navigating university challenges.

In 2025, Arora featured in the Prime Video comedy series Dupahiya, which focuses on the chaos that unfolds in a peaceful village when a motorbike mysteriously disappears. His comic chemistry with co-star Sparsh Shrivastava was well-received by critics.

Producer

Suvidha Sahni is an emerging Indian film producer, primarily focused on Punjabi cinema. She produced Ros Rosy Te Gulab (2024), a romantic drama that follows a man torn between two love interests as he embarks on a manifestation journey. Sahni also produced Hoshiar Singh (2025), a powerful story about a man denied education for being “unfit” who overcomes the

system to become a teacher. With her focus on impactful and modern stories, Suvidha Sahni is making a name for herself in the Punjabi film industry.