SS Rajamouli, Shabana Azmi among new invites to join Academy members

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 487 artists and executives worldwide to join the academy in 2024. This year’s list includes notable Indian talents such as veteran actor Shabana Azmi, filmmaker SS Rajamouli, his wife Rama Rajamouli (costume designer), “Naatu Naatu” song choreographer Prem Rakshith, and producer Ritesh Sidhwani. The Academy, known for organizing the Oscars, announced that the selection was based on professional qualifications and an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity.

Shabana Azmi, recognized for her debut in Shyam Benegal’s “Ankur” and excellent performances in “Arth”, “Godmother”, and very recent “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani”, has been invited to the Actors branch. SS Rajamouli, whose film “RRR” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, is among the directors. His wife, Rama Rajamouli, has been invited to the Costume Designers branch. Choreographer Prem Rakshith, known for “Naatu Naatu,” is invited to the Production and Technology branch.

Rima Das, who is widely known for films like “Tora’s Husband and Village Rockstars”, joins the directors’ branch while cinematographer Ravi Varman, India-born Canadian filmmaker Nisha Pahuja, and filmmaker Hemal Trivedi are among the other Indians invited.

The Academy revealed that 44% of this year’s invitees are women, marking a 4% increase from last year, and 41% are from marginalized communities. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their excitement, said, “We are thrilled to welcome this year’s class of new members to the Academy. These remarkably talented artists and professionals from around the world have made a significant impact on our filmmaking community.”

Last year, filmmaker Karan Johar, RRR actors Ram Charan and NT Rama Rao, and director Mani Ratnam were among those invited to join the Academy.

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