Tasveer, the world’s only Oscar®️-qualifying South Asian film festival based out of Seattle, successfully concluded its debut India event on 8th December at Red Bulb Studios, Andheri. The screenings of Holy Curse by Snigdha Kapoor and Humans in the Loop by Aranya Sahay drew an enthusiastic and warm response from Mumbai’s creative community.

The showcase was attended by leading industry names, including Mahesh Bhatt, Sayani Gupta, Anup Soni, Mita Vashisht, Siddhant Karnick, amongst others who appreciated the films’ authenticity, sensitivity, and craft.

Following the screenings, the evening transitioned into an insightful panel discussion moderated by noted film critic Mayank Shekhar, featuring Rita Meher (Co-founder & Executive Director, Tasveer) and director Aranya Sahay. The conversation delved into the growing space for South Asian independent cinema, the challenges of telling underrepresented stories, and the importance of building global platforms that nurture emerging voices.

Rita Meher shared, “Our goal for this event was to build a bridge: between Seattle and India, between diaspora and homeland, between independent cinema and the global platforms that can carry these stories out into the world. And we feel this is just the beginning.”

Aranya Sahay, director of Humans in the Loop, shared, “Screening the film here, to an audience that listens and responds so thoughtfully, was truly special. Here’s to Tasveer being a cornerstone for South Asian films in the US and beyond.”

Shivam Gupta, Founder of Shivam Gupta Casting and Partner for Tasveer’s India event, said, “The response tonight made it clear that this is just the beginning. Mumbai is truly ready for Tasveer, and the audience proved that with their enthusiasm. These are the kinds of films that deserve to be championed, and people must see them. I am grateful to partner with Tasveer to bring such powerful cinema to India.”

Tasveer’s Mumbai showcase marks a significant milestone in building deeper creative exchange between India and the global South Asian film community. The event was supported by Tasveer’s leadership — Rita Meher, Anushree Shukla, and presented in partnership with Shivam Gupta Casting.