Excel Entertainment turns 25: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani announce Excel Origins to back filmmakers under 30
As Excel Entertainment marks 25 years in the Hindi film industry, co-founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have announced Excel Origins, an initiative aimed at discovering and supporting a new generation of filmmakers. Sidhwani and Akhtar announced the initiative through their social media posts, looking back at the journey that began with Dil Chahta Hai. The 2001 film, which marked Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut, went on to become an influential coming-of-age film and established Excel Entertainment’s interest in backing fresh voices. Reflecting on the company’s beginnings, the duo noted that they were 26 when they started Excel Entertainment. “We didn’t have all the answers but we had an idea we believed in, the courage to take risks and the tenacity to make it happen,” they said. With Excel Origins, the filmmakers now intend to extend that philosophy to emerging talent. The initiative will focus on filmmakers under 30, with the aim of identifying writers and directors with ...
