MCCI Hosts Special Session Celebrating Women’s Contribution to Indian Cinema

Rituparna Sengupta, Actress & Film Producer and Shri Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Film Director, Writer & Actor in a candid conversation on Celebrating Women’s Contribution to Indian Cinema

Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry organised a Special Session with             Smt. Rituparna Sengupta, Actress & Film Producer and Shri Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Film Director, Writer & Actor on ‘Women in Cinema: Onscreen and Behind the Camera’ on 2 February 2026 at 3.00 pm at Park Hotel.

Addressing the gathering, Smt. Rituparna Sengupta spoke candidly about the struggles and challenges of women in cinema both onscreen and behind the camera. She observed that their challenges were not confined to the profession alone but were often compounded by resistance within families, shaped by long-standing social taboos against women. Reflecting on the past, she remarked that while earlier years were marked by darkness, today there is renewed light and opportunity for women in cinema.

She further highlighted the difficulty of recognising women’s creative contributions in the industry, particularly in earlier times. After years of perseverance and struggle, women are now increasingly working on an equal footing with men.

Shri Shiboprosad Mukherjee spoke about the pivotal role women have played in both his personal life and professional journey. He acknowledged Rituparna Sengupta as the woman who took the bold step of producing his first film, along with her partner Nandita Roy. Emphasising the long-standing contribution of women to the film industry, he noted that even this year, the highest-grossing film, “Dhurandhar”, was produced by Jyoti Deshpande, reaffirming women’s leadership behind the scenes.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Smt. Priti A. Sureka, President, MCCI, observed that whenever women have been allowed—or have carved their own path—onscreen or behind the camera, cinema has undergone meaningful transformation. She emphasised that women filmmakers do not merely tell stories about women; they have significantly expanded the narrative language and creative vision of Indian cinema.

Smt. Zinia Sen, Screenplay Writer, reflected on the historical struggles of Indian women striving to succeed in cinema. While acknowledging that respect and recognition for women have grown over time, she noted that several gaps still persist. She expressed optimism that the recognition of women directors has increased and highlighted the presence of several exceptional women filmmakers in the Indian film industry today.

The programme provided a valuable platform to celebrate achievements, confront existing challenges and engage in constructive dialogue on strengthening support for women in cinema through partnerships, mentorship, funding and enhanced visibility.

(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a MCCI Media Release)