Not Aishwarya Rai, This Was The First Indian On The Cannes Jury

While we are still not over the glamour-soaked Met Gala event, the buzz for the 76th edition of the Cannes Film Festival has started in full swing. The coveted event will roll out its red carpet next week for some of our fave celebs. NGL, we’re just sitting on the edge of our seats to witness Anushka Sharma’s much-anticipated debut this year. From celebrating Indian cinema on a global stage to honouring Indian divas on the jury, Cannes has always been extra special for us desi peeps. That said, did y’all know that the first Indian to be a part of the Cannes jury wasn’t Aishwarya Rai Bachchan? Yes, you heard that right! 

Indian filmmaker and former Rajya Sabha member, Mrinal Sen was the first Indian on the jury of Cannes 1982! 

Sen worked as a freelance journalist, patent medicine salesman, and sound technician at a film studio before he stepped into full-fledged filmmaking. He studied Physics at Calcutta University. In the mid-1940s, he joined the Indian People’s Theatre Association and began to study films. Four of his films have been screened at the prestigious festival namely Ekdin Pratidin, Kharij, Khandhar, and Genesis. Kharij won the festival’s jury prize in 1983.

Due to age-related ailments, Mrinal Sen died of a heart attack on December 30, 2018 at the age of 95 in Bhawanipore, Kolkata.

Indians Who’ve Been A Part Of The Cannes Jury

After Mrinal Sen made India proud by being on the Cannes jury in 1980, a lot of other Indians followed his footsteps. Next up to represent the country was renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, who became a jury member at Cannes in 1990. It was then followed by the social activist and awarded author, Arundhati Roy in 2000. Then came everyone’s fave Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was the first Indian actress to be a part of the Cannes jury in 2003. In 2009, Sharmila Tagore became a jury member. It was followed by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur in 2010 and Vidya Balan and Nandita Das in 2013. In 2022, the Cannes jury was graced by the global star Deepika Padukone!

Here’s hoping we keep achieving greater milestones!

Feature Image: Instagram