Anasuya Sengupta has made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Best Actress award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. She achieved this honour for her outstanding performance in the film 'Shameless,' directed by Bulgarian filmmaker Constantin Bojanov. The film tells the powerful story of a sex worker who escapes from a brothel in Delhi after stabbing a policeman, portraying a compelling journey of survival and resilience.
Anasuya dedicated her award to the queer community and other marginalised groups worldwide, recognising their courageous fight for rights and dignity. In her acceptance speech, she emphasised that one doesn't need to belong to a particular community to fight for equality and decency. Her words highlighted the universal need for empathy and support for all human beings.
The award was part of the Un Certain Regard segment of the Cannes Film Festival, a category known for recognising unique and original stories from around the world. Anasuya's win is a significant milestone for Indian cinema, showcasing the talent and potential of Indian actors on an international platform.
In addition to her acting career, Anasuya is known for her work as a production designer in Mumbai. She currently resides in Goa and has contributed to the set design of the popular Netflix show ' Masaba Masaba'. Originally from Kolkata, Anasuya pursued her education at Jadavpur University, where she honed her skills and passion for the arts.
The Cannes Un Certain Regard segment also recognised other notable works this year. The Prix Un Certain Regard went to 'Black Dog' by Chinese filmmaker Hu Guan, and the Jury Prize was awarded to 'The Story of Souleymane' by Boris Lojkine. The Best Director awards were shared by Roberto Minervini for 'The Damned" and Rungano Nyoni for "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl." Performance awards were given to Anasuya Sengupta for 'The Shameless' and Abou Sangare for 'The Story of Souleymane.' The Youth Prize, Prix de la Jeunesse, was awarded to "Holy Cow! (Vingt Dieux)" by Louise Courvoisier, and a Special Mention was given to "Norah" by Tawfik Al-Hakim.
Anasuya's achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for Indian representation in global cinema. Her dedication to marginalised communities and her impactful performance in 'Shameless' will inspire many aspiring actors and filmmakers in India and beyond.
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