Veteran Actor Shabana Azmi, "RRR" Director SS Rajamouli Among New Members Invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 487 new members this year, including veteran actor Shabana Azmi, "RRR" director SS Rajamouli, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, and renowned cinematographer Ravi Varman.

The Academy announced late on Tuesday night on its website that artists and executives who have made a name for themselves via their work on theatrical motion pictures are on the list.

The Los Angeles-based organization states that membership selection is based on professional skills and a continuous commitment to representation, inclusion, and equity.

Actors branch member Azmi, a mainstay of Indian and worldwide film, has extended an invitation to join. The announcement coincides with Azmi's 50th year in the business; in Shyam Benegal's revolutionary film "Ankur" (1974), she made her breakthrough.

The numerous award-winning actor is most known for his roles in the Hindi movies "Godmother," "Arth," "The Reluctant Fundamentalist," "In Custody," and most recently, "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani." He has also acted in 12 foreign productions in addition to those in Hindi.

The Director's branch now includes Rajamouli, the guy behind the epic period spectacular "RRR," which in 2023 became the first Indian feature film to receive an Academy Award.

Alongside Rajamouli in the segment is independent filmmaker Rima Das, who has won accolades for films including "Tora's Husband" and "Village Rockstars."

The Producers branch will include renowned producer Sidhwani, who has supported well-known films including "Gully Boy" and "Dil Chahta Hai."

Varman, the director of photography, has received an invitation to join the branch of cinematographers. "Japan", "Ponniyin Selvan: Part Two", "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela", and Shankar's next film, "Indian 2", are among his credits.

The Costume Designers chapter has sent an invitation to Rama Rajamouli, wife of Rajamouli and creator of the "RRR" costumes. Choreographer Prem Rakshith, who works in the Production and Technology division, is responsible for the intricate yet masterfully blended movements in "Naatu Naatu," the Oscar-winning best original song from "RRR."

Sheetal Sharma, who has worked on films like "Kesari" and "Gangubai Kathiawadi," will be in the same section as Rama Rajamouli.

Hemal Trivedi, a Documentary filmmaker ("Among the Believers," "Saving Face"), belongs to the Documentary branch.

"We are ecstatic to welcome the new Academy members for this year. The filmmaking community has been greatly impacted by these extraordinarily gifted professionals and artists from around the globe, according to a joint statement from Academy President Janet Yang and CEO Bill Kramer.

The following Indian cinema industry members are already Academy members: Ali Fazal, Aditya Chopra, Guneet Monga, Reema Kagti, Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor, A R Rahman, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Suriya, Vidya Balan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Vidya Balan.