Mumbai, September 9 — Actor Alia Bhatt on Monday congratulated filmmaker Anuparna Roy, who created history at the Venice International Film Festival by becoming the first Indian to win the best director award in the Orizzonti section for her debut feature Songs of Forgotten Trees.
Bhatt shared a note on her Eternal Sunshines Productions Instagram handle, calling it “a beautiful moment for Indian cinema.” She later reposted the message on her own account with the caption: “Historic. Congratulations @annieroy09.”
Roy’s film, presented by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, premiered in the festival’s Orizzonti Competition section. It is produced by Bibhanshu Rai, Romil Modi and Ranjan Singh, and features a cast including Bhushan Shimpi, Ravi Maan, Pritam Pilania and Lovely Singh.
Industry watchers hailed the award as a landmark for Indian independent cinema. The Orizzonti section is known for showcasing films that represent new trends in world cinema.
Meanwhile, Bhatt continues to gear up for her upcoming projects. She will next appear in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War alongside Vicky Kaushal and Ranbir Kapoor, and in Yash Raj Films’ “Spyverse” thriller Alpha with Sharvari.
