Who is the first Indian holder of the Cannes Prix Award, Payal Kapadia?

Kapadia was in full force at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) back in 2015. She had spearheaded a student demonstration against the selection of actor-turned-politician Gajendra Chauhan, who gained popularity for playing Yudhisthir in the blockbuster TV series Mahabharat, to head the esteemed Pune-based institution. The students in protest claimed that Chauhan’s nomination looked “politically colored” and that he lacked the vision and stature of previous FTII governing council chairs.

The Grand Prix was given to Kapadia by American star Viola Davis. The director expressed her gratitude to the three starring females of the movie—Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Kani Kusruti—saying that the movie would not have been possible without them. Because I’m anxious, I jotted down some notes. We are grateful that our picture was screened at the Cannes picture Festival. Do not wait another thirty years for an Indian movie.

The friendship between three extremely different women is the subject of this movie. Women are frequently used as counterpoints to one another. Our civilization is structured in this way, which is regrettable. Alongside the three performers on stage, Kapadia remarked, “But friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity, and empathy.”