Kiran Rao, the acclaimed Indian filmmaker, made a stunning appearance at the opening night of the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) on June 13, 2025. As a jury member for the festival's 27th edition, Rao turned heads in a vibrant red saree designed by Payal Khandwala, solidifying her presence as a significant figure in international cinema.

The Shanghai International Film Festival, running from June 13 to June 22, is a prestigious event showcasing over 400 films from more than 71 countries. Rao's participation as a jury member highlights the increasing global impact of Indian cinema and its storytellers. Her red carpet appearance beautifully blended elegance and tradition, presenting Indian culture to a worldwide audience.

Rao joins a distinguished panel of film professionals, led by Italian director Giuseppe Tornatore, renowned for "Cinema Paradiso." The jury includes Argentine director Iván Fund, Chinese actor-director Huang Bo, Greek producer Thanassis Karathanos, Chinese director Yang Lina, and Chinese actress Yong Mei, creating a diverse group of perspectives to evaluate the films.

"It's wonderful to be here in Shanghai, among filmmakers and talent from China and across the globe," Rao shared. "I look forward to watching the selection of films in the International Competition section along with my fellow jurors, a lot of whom I admire deeply. As a filmmaker and storyteller, it's a joy to join a jury that values bold and original voices." She also emphasized the power of global cinema, "This for me is a timely reminder of how powerful global cinema can be in building bridges and connecting us through stories."

Rao's presence at SIFF follows the critical acclaim of her recent directorial venture, "Laapataa Ladies." The film, which stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan, received widespread praise for its sensitive storytelling, humor, and social insights. "Laapataa Ladies" was also India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards.

Nitanshi Goel, who played a lead role in "Laapataa Ladies", made her Cannes Film Festival debut in 2025. She also won the Best Actress Award at the IIFA 2025 awards for her role in the film.

Kiran Rao's role on the SIFF jury and her striking appearance at the opening ceremony underscore her influence in the film industry and celebrate the growing recognition of Indian cinema on a global stage.