Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar Launch ‘Excel Origins’ to Discover Filmmakers Under 30 as Excel Entertainment Marks 25 Years!
Inspired by their own journey starting out at age 26 with ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, the duo introduces a new initiative dedicated to nurturing young directors, writers, and fresh storytellers.
As Excel Entertainment completes 25 years, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar announce Excel Origins, a new initiative dedicated to discovering, developing and backing the next generation of Indian filmmakers under 30.
Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar were just 26 when they started Excel Entertainment. Their first film, Dil Chahta Hai, was born from a young perspective and a desire to tell stories differently. It went on to become a defining film for a generation and laid the foundation for Excel Entertainment’s belief in fresh voices, original ideas and taking creative risks. Twenty-five years later, Excel Origins is about passing that opportunity forward.
They announced the launch of Excel Origins through their social media posts, marking a new chapter in Excel Entertainment’s commitment to discovering and supporting emerging storytellers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Db2X8Dai-X8/?igsh=bzlvOXlldHI3aDVi
The initiative will focus on filmmakers under 30, identifying young directors and writers with distinctive voices and giving them the platform, resources and creative freedom to bring original ideas to life.
Excel Origins will look for stories that challenge convention, across genres, formats and new cinematic worlds, while also creating opportunities for emerging actors and creative talent.
The ambition goes beyond building a slate of films. It is about creating a pipeline of new filmmakers, actors, writers and an original IP that can become an important part of Excel Entertainment’s next chapter.
At a time when the industry is increasingly driven by established talent and proven formulas, Excel Origins is a commitment to investing in new voices before they become established voices.
As Excel looks towards its next 25 years, the initiative represents a return to the philosophy on which the company was founded — backing young people with bold ideas and giving them the opportunity to make them happen.
By Keerti Kadam