Shabana Azmi, SS Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani And Others Invited To Join The Academy
Actor Shabana Azmi, acclaimed ‘RRR’ director SS Rajamouli, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, and cinematographer Ravi Varman have been invited this year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, acclaimed ‘RRR’ director SS Rajamouli, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, and celebrated cinematographer Ravi Varman are among the 487 new members invited this year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In a statement shared on its website late Tuesday night, the Academy revealed that this list includes artists and executives who have made significant contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
The Los Angeles-based institution stated that membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with a strong commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity.
Shabana Azmi joins the Actors Branch
Azmi, a stalwart of Indian and international cinema, has been invited to join the Actors branch. This invitation coincides with Azmi's 50th year in the industry, having made her groundbreaking debut in Shyam Benegal's "Ankur" (1974). Known for her roles in films such as "Godmother," "Arth," "The Reluctant Fundamentalist," "In Custody," and most recently "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," Azmi has starred in over 140 Hindi films and 12 international productions.
SS Rajamouli in the Directors Branch
SS Rajamouli, the visionary behind the epic period film "RRR," which became the first Indian feature to win an Academy Award in 2023, has been included in the Directors branch. Joining him is independent filmmaker Rima Das, known for her acclaimed films "Tora’s Husband" and "Village Rockstars."
Ritesh Sidhwani and Ravi Varman
Renowned producer Ritesh Sidhwani, who has backed iconic films such as "Gully Boy" and "Dil Chahta Hai," will be part of the Producers branch. Meanwhile, director of photography Ravi Varman, whose credits include "Japan," "Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two," "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela," and the upcoming "Indian 2," has been invited to join the Cinematographers branch.
Other notable invitations
Rama Rajamouli, costume designer for "RRR" and wife of SS Rajamouli, has been invited to the Costume Designers branch. Joining her is Sheetal Sharma, known for her work on "Gangubai Kathiawadi" and "Kesari."
In the Production and Technology branch, choreographer Prem Rakshith, who created the iconic dance moves for the Oscar-winning song "Naatu Naatu" from "RRR," has been invited. Documentary filmmaker Hemal Trivedi, known for "Among the Believers" and "Saving Face," will join the Documentary branch.
"We are thrilled to welcome this year's class of new members to the Academy. These remarkably talented artists and professionals from around the world have made a significant impact on our filmmaking community," said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint statement.
Indian film industry members in the Academy
From the Indian film industry, notable Academy members already include A R Rahman, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Suriya, Vidya Balan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Ali Fazal, Aditya Chopra, Guneet Monga, Reema Kagti, Ekta Kapoor, and Shobha Kapoor.
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