Jury
(Film director)
Deepak Tijori is a household name in India and across the world for his path breaking work in the entertainment industry and is one of the most popular Indian film directors and actors who has created his niche in Bollywood and is well known for his memorable roles in Aashiqui (1990), Khiladi (1992), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994), Anjaam (1994), Ghulam (1998) and Baadshah (1999). He also starred as a lead actor in Pehla Nasha (1993). Tijori started his career as a director with Oops! (2003), a film about male strippers. This was followed by Fareb (2005), Khamoshh… Khauff Ki Raat (2005), Tom, Dick, and Harry (2006) and Fox (2009). Thriller at 10 – Fareb, a TV mini-series produced by Tijori won the 2001 Indian Television Academy Awards in the category best mini-series. He directed his latest movie, Do Lafzon Ki Kahani (2016) which won him many accolades. His next film to be shot on a massive scale in London is Tipsy. Armed with M.Com in Finance, Deepak is also Bachelor of General Law from the highly coveted Bombay University. A keen yoga enthusiast, Deepak believes in the union of a healthy body & healthy mind.
(Film director)
Mr. Naresh Malhotra is Director, Filmmaker, and Editor in the Bollywood film industry. He is one of the Senior most directors of the Bollywood industry who has given us the movies like “Dil Ka Rishta”, “Kranti”, “Yeh Dillagi”, “Achanak” and many more. He was from a non-film background but decided to make his career in films. He started his career as an Editor, his first movie as editor was “Yudh”. He was also the assistant director in the films, “Parampara”, “Chandini”, “Maa Aur Mamta” and many more. Nareshji has given great works to Bollywood cinema and showed great works in his presence in the cinema. His advice to the recent cinema is that we should come ahead with some new concepts apart from romance and drama, writers should think beyond them and believe in them.
(Instrumentalist)
Mr.Vishwa Mohan Bhatt is one of the popular Hindustani Classical Instrumentalist and plays Mohan Veena. He lives in Jaipur, Rajasthan. He has won Grammy Award for A Meeting By The River with Ry Cooder released on Water Lily Acoustics label. His other works are Fusion and Pan-Cultural Collaborations with western artists, Taj Mahal, Jerry Douglas, and Bela Fleck. He has made his appearance on Crossroad Guitar Festival, 2004, organized by Eric Clapton. He taught Mohan veena to Matt Malley and Australian Musician Lawrie Minson. He has Guitar duet release with Guitarist Kapil Shrivastav in 2016 for the composition of “Merry Love Rain”.
(Music Director)
Dilip Sen is a veteran music director and composer with over three decades of experience in the Indian film industry. Best known as part of the prolific duo Dilip Sen–Sameer Sen, he has composed music for over 250 films, including iconic titles like Yeh Dillagi, Aaina, Ziddi, and Aflatoon. His work has defined the soundscape of 90s Bollywood with a blend of melody, rhythm, and emotion that continues to influence generations. Coming from a family of musicians, Dilip Sen represents the third generation of the Sen musical legacy. With a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling through music, he brings a refined ear, seasoned perspective, and creative insight to the jury panel.
(Director and Screenwriter)
Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan is an acclaimed film director and screenwriter known for his impactful contributions to Hindi cinema, served as a distinguished jury member for the Rajasthan Film Festival 2024. He has received astounding success in direction and screenplay, two major pillars of filmmaking. He has received astounding success in direction and screenplay, two major pillars of filmmaking, at such a young age. Recognized for his compelling storytelling and cinematic vision, Chauhan won the prestigious Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director at the 2009 National Film Awards. More recently, his film 72 Hoorain earned him the National Film Award for Best Direction in 2021, solidifying his place among India’s top filmmakers. His expertise and dedication to meaningful cinema brought an invaluable perspective to the RFF 2024 jury.
(Writer and Director)
Mr. Sai Kabir is a writer and director based in Mumbai, with over 15+ years of experience in the Indian film industry across feature films, television, and digital platforms. He began his career as a screenwriter with films like Kismat Konnection and Lamhaa, and later made his directorial debut with Revolver Rani, noted for its bold storytelling and satire. His recent works include Holy Cow and Tiku Weds Sheru, where he served as both writer and director. Known for his sharp dialogue, unique narrative style, and ability to blend humor with social themes, Mr. Kabir is widely respected for his creative depth and collaborative spirit in the world of Indian cinema.
(Cinematographer)
Mr. Varun Sud is a Mumbai based cinematographer with over 15+ years of experience across films, TVCs, documentaries and TV shows. An alumni of Whistling Woods International, he started his career working on acclaimed TV shows like Dewarists, Sound Trippin and Super Factories. His first feature ‘Hum Chaar’ with Rajshri Productions was praised for its visuals. He has been listed as Top 1% of Indian Advertising DoPs for the exceptional work he has done in the advertising industry for notable brands featuring renowned celebrities of India. He is known for his creative shots and meticulous planning.
Mr. Inderjit Bansal is a Cinematographer, Director of photography and Producer. He has done great work in his field. His works are Agni Pankh (2004), Kasam Teri Kasam (1993), Qahar (1998), Barefoot Warriors( 2019), One Day: Justice Delivered (2019), Spotlight (2017) and many more. He has also headed the Camera and Electric Department in many of his works.