Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, RRR director SS Rajamouli, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, and renowned cinematographer Ravi Varman are among the 487 new members invited this year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The announcement was made on June 25 on the Academy's official website, highlighting the contributions these artists and executives have made to theatrical motion pictures.
The Academy, based in Los Angeles, selects members based on their professional qualifications and a commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity. Shabana Azmi, a veteran of both Indian and international cinema, has been invited to join the actor branch.
Shabana Azmi and SS Rajamouli Among New Academy Members
This invitation comes as Azmi celebrates 50 years in the industry, having made her debut in Shyam Benegal's Ankur in 1974. Azmi is known for her roles in films like Godmother, Arth, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, In Custody, and most recently, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. She has appeared in over 140 Hindi films and 12 international productions, earning multiple awards for her performances.
SS Rajamouli, the director of the epic period film RRR, which became the first Indian feature to win an Academy Award in 2023, has been invited to join the director's branch. Joining him in this category is independent filmmaker Rima Das, known for her acclaimed films Tora’s Husband and Village Rockstars.
Producer Ritesh Sidhwani, known for producing popular films like Gully Boy and Dil Chahta Hai, has been invited to join the Producers branch. Cinematographer 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.
Rama Rajamouli, the costume designer for RRR and wife of SS Rajamouli, has been invited to join the Costume Designers branch. Also invited is choreographer Prem Rakshith, who created the intricate dance moves for the Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu from RRR, joining the Production and Technology branch. Costume designer Sheetal Sharma, known for her work on Gangubai Kathiawadi and Kesari, will join Rama Rajamouli in the Costume Designers branch.
Documentary filmmaker Hemal Trivedi, known for Among the Believers and Saving Face, has been invited to join the documentary branch.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their excitement about the new members: "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."
The inclusion of these new members from the Indian film industry adds to the growing list of Indian artists who are part of the Academy. Current members 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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