The Los Angeles-based institution noted that membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with a commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity.
Shabana Azmi, SS Rajamouli and Ravi Varman. (Facebook)
Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, filmmaker SS Rajamouli, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, and prolific cinematographer Ravi Varman, are among the 487 new members invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year.
In a statement, posted on its website, the Academy, announced that the list features artists and executives recognised for their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
Shabana Azmi, a luminary in both Indian and international cinema, has been invited to join the Actors branch. This news coincides with her 50th year in the industry, having made her groundbreaking debut in Shyam Benegal’s Ankur (1974).
Known for her versatility, Azmi, who was recently seen in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), has starred in over 140 Hindi films and 12 international productions.
SS Rajamouli, the visionary director behind the epic period spectacle RRR (2022), which became the first Indian feature production to win an Academy Award in 2023, has been invited to join the Directors branch. Independent filmmaker Rima Das, renowned for her acclaimed and award-winning films, Village Rockstars (2017) and Tora’s Husband (2022) will be joining Rajamouli, in the same division.
We’re proud to announce our newly invited members to the Academy!
Meet the Class of 2024: https://t.co/KQ33kUgTHF pic.twitter.com/kKRgtBGW8j
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) June 25, 2024
Rama Rajamouli, the costume designer for RRR and wife of SS Rajamouli, has been invited to join the Costume Designers branch. Sheetal Sharma, recognised for her contributions to films like Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) and Kesari (2019), will also be joining Rama, in the same category.
Renowned producer Ritesh Sidhwani, known for backing celebrated films like Dil Chahta Hai (2001) and Gully Boy (2019), will join the Producers branch.
Ravi Varman has been invited to join the Cinematographers branch. He began his career assisting cinematographer Ravi K Chandran. In addition to his work as a cinematographer, Ravi Varman is also a director, producer, and writer. He has shot films, including Anniyan (2005), Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006), Dasavatharam (2008), Tamasha (2015), the Ponniyin Selvan franchise (part 1: 2022, part 2: 2023), and Indian 2 (2024).
Choreographer Prem Rakshith, known for creating the intricate dance moves in the Oscar-winning song “Naatu Naatu” from RRR, has been invited to the Production and Technology branch.
‘Naatu Naatu’ from ‘RRR’ is the first Indian song to be shortlisted for Oscars 2023. (RRRMovie/Twitter)
Hemal Trivedi, known for her acclaimed work, Among the Believers (2015), has been included in the Documentary branch.
“We are delighted to welcome this year’s new members to the Academy. These exceptionally talented artistes and professionals from across the globe have made a profound impact on our filmmaking community,” stated Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, in a joint announcement.
Among the members from the Indian film industry who are already part of the Academy are Amitabh Bachchan, AR Rahman, Vidya Balan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Suriya, Salman Khan, Ali Fazal, Aditya Chopra, among others.
The Los Angeles-based institution noted that membership selection is based on professional qualifications, with a commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity.
(Edited by S Subhakeerthana, with inputs from PTI)
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