MAM
CNBC-TV18 honours producer Deepti Chawla for taking Indian cinema global
Future. Female. Forward recognises filmmaker’s work in global co-productions and women-led storytelling
MUMBAI: Taking Indian stories global has earned producer and filmmaker Deepti Chawla another starring role. CNBC-TV18 has named her a Future. Female. Forward Icon, recognising her contribution to expanding the global footprint of Indian cinema while creating opportunities for filmmakers through international collaborations and co-productions.
With more than 20 years in the film industry, Chawla has built a career around connecting Indian storytelling with international audiences. She served as executive producer on The Shameless, which won an award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, and associate producer on the animated feature Sultana’s Dream, winner of the Annecy Grand Prix 2024.
Alongside producing, Chawla has also established herself as a filmmaker. Her directorial debut, Bandini, which explores resilience, female friendship and the lives of women whose husbands have disappeared, received international recognition under Viola Davis’ diversity initiative during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, winning Best Director and Best Film.
Through her production company, Inflixious Content & Art LLP, Chawla has focused on helping Indian filmmakers build international partnerships by facilitating cross-border co-productions, connecting creators with global collaborators and mentoring emerging producers. Her work has centred on strengthening India’s presence in the global film ecosystem while encouraging greater cultural exchange through cinema.
Receiving the honour, Deepti Chawla said more women need to believe in themselves and take on leadership roles behind the camera, not only as crew members but also as editors, newsroom leaders, boardroom directors and investors capable of championing female-led stories.
She added that stories have the power to connect cultures, challenge perspectives and create opportunities, noting that success should be measured not only by the doors people walk through but also by the opportunities they create for others. She said the recognition would encourage her to continue building bridges between India and the global film community while helping more Indian filmmakers find an international audience.
The Future. Female. Forward initiative by CNBC-TV18 celebrates women who are reshaping leadership across industries through innovation, purpose and action, while recognising changemakers whose work is creating lasting impact and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
