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Vishal Bhardwaj, Shaunak Sen to mentor Rs 40 lakh film fund; Imran Khan, Arati Kadav join jury
Updated On: 15 May, 2026 03:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
In a major boost for independent cinema, a new filmmaker fund aims to provide financial backing, mentorship, and festival support to fresh voices in India. The initiative features a star-studded jury including Imran Khan, Arati Kadav, and Aseem Chhabra

L-R: Vishal Bharadwaj, Imran Khan and Arati Kadav
What are the vital ingredients an aspiring filmmaker needs when they have a story to tell but no outlet? Beyond a script, they need financial stability, production expertise, and industry access. Addressing this gap, Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures have launched a landmark feature film co-production fund, of Rs 40,00,000, designed to back an emerging filmmaker with a distinct voice and a clear vision.
Meet the mentors and jury of the fund
In a significant boost to the independent ecosystem, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Shaunak Sen (All That Breathes) and globally acclaimed auteur Vishal Bhardwaj have joined the initiative as mentors. Sen is also attached to the selected project as an Executive Producer.
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