In a groundbreaking and historic occurrence, Anasuya Sengupta has made history by becoming the inaugural Indian actress to clinch the esteemed Best Actress accolade at the Cannes Film Festival.
The extraordinary feat was attributed to her exceptional portrayal in ‘The Shameless,’ a compelling cinematic piece vying for recognition in the Un Certain Regard segment of the 77th iteration of the festival.
Upon accepting the award, Anasuya fervently dedicated her triumph to various marginalized communities worldwide, especially the queer community, expressing, “This is for the queer community everywhere, and all other marginalized communities all over the world, for bravely fighting a fight they shouldn’t have to fight.” She further emphasized the significance of embracing the female perspective in cinema, stating, “More female gaze is the way forward, and the browner the better.”
The 77th Cannes Film Festival stood as a momentous occasion for India, with Anasuya’s historic win setting the stage. Additionally, the festival commemorated nearly 48 years since the release of Shyam Benegal’s iconic ‘Manthan’ through a special screening.
Moreover, Indian luminaries and influencers captivated audiences on the prestigious red carpet, underscoring India’s escalating impact on the global cinematic landscape. This year, Indian cinema seized numerous nominations across diverse categories, highlighting its burgeoning prominence.
Hailing from Kolkata, Anasuya Sengupta delivered a stellar portrayal as Renuka in ‘The Shameless,’ helmed by Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanov. The film delves into Renuka’s daunting yet empowering odyssey as she escapes a brothel in Delhi following the demise of a police officer. It also delves into her intricate romance with her love interest, depicted by Omara Shetty.
Further elevating India’s triumph at Cannes 2024, two Indian films clinched top accolades in the La Cinef Selection. ‘Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know,’ a Kannada short film directed by Chidananda Naik, a student from the Film and Television Institute of India, secured the first position. Meanwhile, ‘Bunnyhood,’ directed by Mansi Maheshwari from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and currently pursuing studies in the UK, secured the third position.
As the curtains closed on the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 25, it etched a significant milestone for Indian cinema on the global arena, showcasing its prowess and potential to captivate audiences worldwide.
