To mark the completion of 25 years in the industry, Excel Entertainment’s founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have introduced Excel Origins, a new programme designed to seek out and support emerging Indian filmmakers under the age of 30. When Sidhwani and Akhtar launched Excel Entertainment 25 years ago, they were themselves only 26 years old. Their inaugural work, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, emerged from their youthful perspective and desire to approach cinema in ways the industry had not previously explored. With Excel now reaching this significant milestone, Excel Origins serves as a vehicle for passing forward the same opportunities that shaped their careers.
The co-founders said: “25 years ago, we started Excel Entertainment and began work on a film called ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. We had a simple belief – new voices and a different way of telling stories, will find an audience. As we look back at everything this journey has given us, we also find ourselves thinking about what the next 25 years has in store for us. We believe it will include Excel empowering young, aspiring filmmakers with bold ideas and the courage to tell stories differently. So, as Excel celebrates its silver anniversary, we’re launching Excel Origins, an initiative to discover and back the next generation of filmmakers.”
The programme will zero-in on writers and directors under 30 who possess unique artistic perspectives. Chosen participants will receive funding, professional guidance and creative control needed to realise their original projects.
