Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival gains royal distinction, Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad becomes Advisory Board Member

Mumbai: The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), one of the most prestigious and influential platforms in Indian cinema, has achieved another historic milestone. The announcement of Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda joining the Festival’s Advisory Board further strengthens DPIFF’s prestige, ideological depth, and global recognition.This significant achievement is due to the vision, tireless efforts, and years of continuous hard work of Festival Managing Director Anil Mishra. Under his leadership, DPIFF has established a unique and respected identity not only in India but also internationally. Anil Mishra’s clear vision has been that cinema should not only be a medium of entertainment but also a powerful tool for education, social awareness, and positive change, and today this vision is being recognized globally.Through Anil Mishra’s efforts, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival has become an influential platform connecting the younger generation with creativity, culture, and the positive power of cinema. His contribution to elevating Indian cinema’s international reputation to new heights is considered incomparable. Advisory Board member Shashi Sharma has also played a crucial role in DPIFF’s global recognition. Italian-born Shashi Sharma has been dedicated to strengthening the festival internationally. He is known as a sensitive and thoughtful personality, particularly concerned with the welfare of the poor, the guidance of the younger generation, and social issues. His concern for road accident deaths in India and his efforts to positively orient young people towards the world of entertainment reflect his commitment to society. Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad’s inclusion on the Advisory Board is a powerful testament to the fact that DPIFF is no longer just a film festival, but has become an international confluence of art, culture, thought, and social consciousness. As the custodian of the Laxmi Vilas Palace, her contribution to the preservation of Indian heritage is in perfect sync with the cultural vision of DPIFF. Overall, the combined efforts of Anil Mishra’s leadership, Shashi Sharma’s international vision and social sensitivity, and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad’s royal cultural legacy the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival is today moving steadily towards establishing Indian cinema as a global cultural force.

The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), one of the most prestigious and influential platforms in Indian cinema, has once again showcased its cultural vision with a historic announcement. The inclusion of Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda on the Festival’s Advisory Board marks a glorious milestone in the confluence of Indian cinema, art, and royal heritage. Her esteemed presence will elevate DPIFF’s reputation to new heights. Her experience, cultural understanding, and dedication to Indian heritage will not only strengthen the Festival’s ideological direction but also play a key role in presenting Indian cinema more effectively on the global stage.Inspired by the invaluable legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, DPIFF has been honoring both legendary and emerging talents of Indian cinema for years. The Festival has become a celebration of Indian creativity, cultural diversity, and cinematic excellence. Eminent personalities already on the Advisory Board, including Colonel P.C. Sood (Vice Chairman, Hinduja Group),Dattaraj Salgaonkar (Chairman, V.M. Salgaonkar Corporation),Bhavna Merchant (Culture Expert and Former Censor Board Member), Mayank Shroff (Head of Film Programming and Distribution, Cinepolis India)and Jyoti Badeka (Creative Producer and Former Censor Board Member, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting), have already made DPIFF a strong and credible platform.Speaking on the occasion, DPIFF CEO Abhishek Mishra said, “We are proud to welcome Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad to our Advisory Board. Her contribution to Indian culture and heritage is inspiring. Her guidance will bring fresh thinking, new direction, and global recognition to DPIFF. As the patron of Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad has played an active role in the preservation of Indian art, culture, and heritage for years. Under her leadership, several social and cultural initiatives have successfully progressed, which are fully aligned with DPIFF’s cultural vision. DPIFF has so far provided a platform to the cultural diversity of more than 15 states of India and strongly supported national campaigns such as the Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Incredible India’ and the Ministry of Culture’s ‘Prime Minister’s Museum’. Today, DPIFF is not just a film festival, but an influential movement establishing Indian cinema as a global cultural force, further enhancing India’s identity on the world stage through art, culture, and cinema.”