Jury
MEET THE JURY
MEHUL KUMAR
Mohammed Ibrahim Baloch was Born in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. better known as Mehul Kumar, he is a Bollywood filmmaker and writer, the director best known for directing movies like the Marte Dam Tak (1987), Jung Baaz (1989), and the patriotic Tirangaa (1992),Krantiveer (1994), Mrityudaata (1997). He started his career in the 70s, Janam Janam Na Saath (1977) bilingual Hindi film “Phir Janam Lenge Hum” and not behind the camera, but with a pen in hand, writing film reviews as a journalist after graduating from Bombay University. But the stage soon beckoned, and Mehul moved on to work in Gujarati theatre.
N CHANDRA
Chandrashekhar Narvekar is an Indian producer, writer and director, known for gritty realism, in his early dark and loud films. His most successful commercial films are Ankush, Pratighaat, Tezaab and Narsimha. Chandra also made moderately successful but critically scorned Style and its sequel Xcuse Me.
SOHAM SHAH
Director and Maker
Soham’s career spans 18 years in advertising and the Indian film industry. A graduate of Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, he founded the advertising agency “Able & Will,” handling top corporate and film industry accounts. Soham’s journey into filmmaking began with mentorship under renowned directors Karan Johar and Ram Gopal Varma, leading to his directorial debut with the successful film *Kaal*. Beyond filmmaking, he remains active in advertising, having directed over 100 commercials featuring top celebrities. Soham is also an avid artist, currently working on a series of illustrations for an upcoming exhibition.
RAJEEV VERMA
Actor
MANOJ JOSHI
Actor
Govind Namdev is a veteran Indian actor renowned for his powerful character roles in Hindi cinema. Born on September 3, 1954, in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, he graduated from the National School of Drama in 1978 and spent over a decade performing with its repertory company. He made his film debut in 1992 as a corrupt police officer in Shola Aur Shabnam and has since built a prolific career portraying complex antagonists and authority figures.Wikipedia
Namdev’s notable performances include roles in acclaimed films such as Bandit Queen, Satya, Sarfarosh, Virasat, Pukar, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, OMG – Oh My God!, and Dum Maaro Dum. His versatility and commanding screen presence have made him a respected figure in Indian cinema. He continues to take on significant roles in contemporary films like Kaashi in Search of Ganga and Aazam.
Rakesh Bedi
Actor
Rakesh Bedi is a veteran Indian actor renowned for his work in film, television, and theatre. Born on December 1, 1954, in New Delhi, he graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, and began his career with the film Hamare Tumhare (1979). Celebrity Borns+7Wikipedia+7WikiBio+7
He gained widespread acclaim for his comedic role as Omi in the cult classic Chashme Buddoor (1981), earning a Filmfare nomination for Best Comedian. Bedi became a household name through popular TV sitcoms like Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Shrimaan Shrimati, and Yes Boss, where his comic timing and relatable characters resonated with audiences. World Celebrity Biography+8StarsUnfolded+8The Movie Database+8StarsUnfolded+5Filmy Focus+5The Movie Database+5
With a career spanning over four decades and appearances in more than 150 films, including Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023), Bedi has showcased his versatility across genres. His contributions to theatre are equally notable, particularly his solo performance in the play Massage, where he portrayed 24 distinct characters.
KAMLESH PANDEY
Screenwriter
SANJAY MASOOM
Writer
Rajeev Chaudhry
Editor – Magazine
Rajeev Chaudhari is a seasoned veteran in the Indian film industry, having begun his journey in film trade journalism with Film Information. His passion for cinema soon led him to the world of publicity and PR, where he worked with renowned names like Dev Anand, Bhappi Soni, Garware’s, and Rajshri Productions—playing a key role in the success of iconic films like Maine Pyaar Kiya. Known for his unique creative vision, Rajeev has been the driving force behind all his projects, contributing to the concept, script, production, and direction. A committed leader, he has also served as Secretary of both IMPPA (Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association) and FMC (Film Makers Combine), championing the interests of the film fraternity.
GUNTER WEIG
Enterpreneur
Günter Weig, the founder and CEO of Glamourfaces.de, has been a trailblazer in the modeling and beauty industry since 1990. Based in Germany, Günter began his journey by establishing a modeling agency originally named W-Models. Under his leadership, the agency achieved remarkable success, including the triumph at FACE 94, Germany’s largest modeling competition of its time, which featured over 100,000 participants.
In the early 2000s, Günter rebranded his agency as Glamourfaces.de, shifting focus to national and international beauty contests and fashion events. His innovative approach positioned Glamourfaces.de as a unique entity in the modeling world, celebrated for its dedication to the art of beauty and its commitment to excellence.
He acted in TV series including Chanakya, Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, Rau (Marathi), Sangdil, Kabhi Souten Kabhi Saheli, Mura Raska Mai La (Marathi). He debuted in Sarfarosh (SI Bajju) alongside his brother who played Bala Thakur in the film. His other works include the film Hungama followed by Hulchul, Dhoom, Bhagam Bhag, Chup Chup Ke, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Billu. He played the role of Chanakya in Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat.
In 2018, Joshi was awarded with the Padma Shri. He is the vice-president of the Bombay Art Society.
ATUL MOHAN
Editor – Magazine
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Srivastav
Managing Director
FT FILMS TODAY MEDIA PVT. LTD.
Dr. Rajesh Shrivastav is the Managing Director and original founder of FT Films Today Media Pvt. Ltd., a prominent media company known for its flagship publication, Films Today magazine. With over a decade of experience in the media industry, Dr. Shrivastav has been instrumental in shaping the magazine’s vision and content. His leadership led to a strategic joint venture with the Enarr Group, further expanding the company’s reach and influence in the entertainment sector .Films Today
Beyond his contributions to media, Dr. Shrivastav is deeply committed to social causes. He founded the Shikshadaan Abhiyaan Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing quality education to underprivileged children, reflecting his passion for societal development .
LATHA SRINIVASAN
Journalist
SUBHASH SAHOO
B N TIWARI
President of FWICE , Producer & Director
Born in India, B.N. Tiwari is a veteran sound engineer with over two decades of experience in the Indian film industry. Having contributed to more than 2000 films, he has become a pivotal figure in shaping the sonic identity of Indian cinema. His tenure as a sound recordist with B.R. Chopra’s BR Films Theatre Division highlights his precision, creativity, and technical mastery. Beyond his craft, Tiwari is admired for mentoring young professionals and advocating for higher standards in film sound. His journey reflects a rare blend of passion, expertise, and enduring commitment to the art of storytelling through sound.
Deepak Dua
Film Critic
Deepak Dua is a Delhi-based Film Critic and Journalist with a career spanning over three decades since 1993. Recently honored with the prestigious National Award for Best Film Critic by the Honorable President of India, he is widely recognized for his contributions to film journalism. His writings have been featured in leading Hindi newspapers and magazines including Jansatta, Hindustan, Navbharat Times, Outlook, Mayapuri, and many others.
Apart from film criticism, Deepak is also a passionate travel writer, an educator, and a speaker. His review of Dangal is part of the school curriculum, and his chapter on ‘Film Journalism’ is taught at Uttarakhand Open University. He actively engages with readers through his portal Cineyatra.com and regularly contributes to TV, radio, and digital platforms.
Deepak has translated and edited several books, produced audio shows, and is associated with multiple film festivals. He is also a proud member of the Film Critics Guild, a body of distinguished film critics in India.
Arif Shahdoli
Actor and Writer
Arif Shahdoli is a talented actor and writer known for his work in Hindi films like Guthlee Ladoo and Kajri, and the web series Rangbaaz 3. He has also starred in short films such as Biryani, Kabadi, and Bharat Band.
As a writer, Arif has authored Jhansi Ki Raja and the ebook Amrit Kshetra Bu, showcasing his storytelling skills across various mediums. His contributions highlight his passion for bringing engaging stories to life.
Venue
PVR INOX, Sahara Ganj Lucknow
Screening
2nd – 4th December 2025
Award Ceremony
4th December 2025
Upload Your Movie
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Prestigious Awards for Outstanding Films in Lucknow.
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