Bengaluru, India: CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward has honoured international producer, filmmaker and entrepreneur Deepti Chawla as a Future. Female. Forward Icon, recognising her efforts in taking Indian stories to the world while creating meaningful opportunities for Indian filmmakers to collaborate, co-produce and access global markets.
With over 20 years in the film industry, Deepti has built a reputation for bringing Indian storytelling to international audiences. She has been associated with several globally celebrated projects, including The Shameless, the Cannes 2024 award-winning feature where she served as Executive Producer, and Sultana’s Dream, the Annecy Grand Prix 2024-winning animated feature, where she was Associate Producer.
Beyond producing, Deepti has also made her mark as a filmmaker. Her directorial venture Bandini—a poignant story of resilience, female friendship and the unseen lives of women whose husbands have disappeared, earned international recognition at Viola Davis’s diversity initiative during Cannes 2026, winning both Best Director and Best Film.
Through her company, Inflixious Content & Art LLP, Deepti has been actively working to help Indian filmmakers think beyond borders. By facilitating international co-productions, connecting creators with global partners and mentoring emerging producers, she continues to build a stronger ecosystem for Indian cinema on the world stage. Her work is driven by the belief that cinema can foster cultural exchange, create opportunities and bring diverse voices to the forefront.
On receiving the honour, Deepti Chawla said, “Women need to stand up more for themselves and believe in themselves. More importantly, we need to see more women behind the camera—not just as crew, but as decision-makers, editors, newsroom leaders, boardroom directors and investors who can champion female-led stories. That is where the real change lies, and I hope I can contribute to making that happen.
Stories have the power to connect cultures, challenge perspectives and create opportunities. I believe success isn’t measured by how many doors we walk through, but by how many we hold open for others. This recognition motivates me to continue building bridges between India and the global film community, while helping more Indian filmmakers find their place on the international stage.”
The Future. Female. Forward initiative by CNBC-TV18 celebrates women who are redefining leadership across industries. It recognises changemakers who are creating lasting impact through innovation, purpose and action, while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
