MCCI Special Session on Women in Cinema: Onscreen and Behind the Camera, Today (02.02.2026) at The Park, Kolkata

Priti A. Sureka, President, MCCI presenting a memento to Rituparna Sengupta, Actress & Film Producer at MCCI Special Session on Women in Cinema: Onscreen and Behind the Camera, Today (02.02.2026) at The Park, Kolkata.(R) : Shiboprosad Mukherjee, Film Director, Writer & Actor

 
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’, TODAY (2 February 2026) at 3.00 pm at Park Hotel.

Smt. Rituparna Sengupta said that female child artists who later become stars had huge struggles in their childhood career, not only as acting professionals but also with their families.  They are many examples of female actors and stories of how they have emerged despite taboos against women in society. Today there is new light, in the past there was darkness.

She also shared that in the creative world it is difficult to easily recognise women’s work. After much struggles, women now work on an equal footing with men.

She ended with Priyanka Chopra whom she described as our global success story.

Shri Shiboprosad Mukherjee lauded importance of women in his life. He shared that Rituparna Sengupta was the lady who took the risk and produced their first film along with his partner Nandita Roy.

He said that from long past women in film industry have contributed a lot. In this year also, “Dhurandhar” the highest grossing film of the year was produced by the lady producer, Jyoti Deshpande.

Earlier Smt. Priti A. Sureka, President, MCCI in her Welcome Addresssaid that wherever women have been allowed — or have forced their way — behind the camera, cinema has been transformed. Importantly, women behind the camera do not only create stories about women.

Smt. Zinia Sen, Screenplay writer attended the Session and spoke about the struggles of Indian women through the ages to succeed in Cinema. However, respect has grown for women but there are still gaps. She hoped the recognition of women directors in Indian movies has grown and there are phenomenal lady directors in Indian Film Industry.

Today’s programme gives us an opportunity to celebrate achievements, confront challenges and engage in meaningful dialogue about how we can collectively support women in cinema—through policy, partnerships, mentorship, funding and visibility. It is also a chance to listen, to learn and to commit to action.

The session ended with a hearty Vote of thanks proposed byShri Manish Gourisaria, Chairperson, Council on Retail & Marketing, MCCI who highlighted the contribution of women behind the camera.