Shabana Azmi, SS Rajamouli
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, “RRR” director SS Rajamouli, producer Ritesh Sidhwani and noted cinematographer Ravi Varman are among the 487 new members invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year.
In a statement shared on its website late Tuesday night, the Academy said the list includes artists and executives who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
According to the Los Angeles-based organization, membership is selected based on professional qualifications and an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion and equity.
A veteran of Indian and international cinema, Azmi has been invited to join the actors’ branch. The news comes as Azmi completes 50 years in the industry; he made his stellar debut with Shyam Benegal’s “Ankur” (1974).
Best known for films such as “Godmother”, “Earth”, “The Reluctant Fundamentalist”, “In Custody” and most recently “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani”, the multi-award-winning actor has starred in over 140 Hindi films and 12 international productions.
Rajamouli, the man behind the epic historical film “RRR”, which became the first Indian feature production to win an Academy Award in 2023, has been inducted into the director’s branch.
Independent filmmaker Rima Das, known for acclaimed and award-winning films like “Tora Husband” and “Village Rockstars”, is also joining Rajamouli in this field.
Renowned producer Sidhwani, who has produced famous films like “Gully Boy” and “Dil Chahta Hai”, will be part of the producer branch.
Director of photography Varman has been invited to join the cinematographer branch. His credits include “Japan”, “Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two”, “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela” and Shankar’s upcoming “Indian 2”.
‘RRR’ costume designer and Rajamouli’s wife Rama Rajamouli has been invited to the costume designer branch. Part of the production and technology branch is choreographer Prem Rakshith, who created the complex but perfectly synthesized moves in ‘RRR’s Best Original Song Oscar winner ‘Natu Natu’.
Sheetal Sharma, known for her work in films like “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and “Kesari”, will join Rama Rajamouli in the segment.
Documentary filmmaker Hemal Trivedi (“Among the Believers”, “Saving Face”) is part of the documentary branch.
“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s new members to the Academy. These remarkably talented artists and professionals from around the world have made a significant impact on our filmmaking community,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a joint statement.
From the Indian film industry, AR Rahman, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Surya, Vidya Balan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Ali Fazal, Aditya Chopra, Guneet Monga, Reema Kagti, Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor are already members of the Academy.
