The whole internet went crazy after the news of Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone serving as a jury member of the Cannes Film Festival broke out. And we are hearing to double your excitement by telling you the fact that this is not the first time when an Indian celebrity is serving as a Jury Member of the prestigious award show. Cannes Film Festival is one of the most historic and iconic film festivals in the history of Indian Cinema and being a part of the Jury is itself an achievement. And many Indian celebrities have achieved the chance to be a part of the jury. Today, here we bring you a look at the top 8 iconic Indian celebrities who served as Jury Member at the Canned Film Festival:
1. Mrinal Sen: Making history, one of the finest Indian filmmakers, Mrinal Sen became the first Indian celebrity, to serve as a member of the Cannes jury panel. With four of his movies including Ekdin Pratidin, Kharij, Khandhar, and Genesis being presented at the festival, he was awarded a Jury Prize.
2. Mira Nair: With cult classics like Salaam Bombay!, Monsoon Wedding, and The Namesake, in his arsenal, Mira Nair served the jury in 1990. And 8 years later, one of the most celebrated movies The Namesake won two awards at the Cannes film festival in 1998.
3. Arundhati Roy: One of the greatest Indian authors, Arundhati Roy, who won the Booker award for her creation, the God Of Small Things, was part of the Jury in 2000. While The God of Small Things became her identity, her many other non-fictional novels resembled her art.
4. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: The actress who times and again made us proud on the international stage served the Jury of the film festival in 2003. But before she became the jury member her Devdas was presented at the festival in 2000.
5. Nandita Das: The actor and director served as a jury member in 2005. In 2013, she served as a jury member again for the Cinéfondation (a foundation under Cannes to promote next-gen international filmmakers) and short film jury.
6. Sharmila Tagore: The recipient of two National Film Awards, Sharmila Tagore served on the Cannes Jury in 2009. Her 1960 film, Devi, directed by Satyajit Ray was presented at Cannes in 1962.
7. Shekhar Kapoor: The filmmaker served on the jury in 2010. Shekhar Kapur is known for films such as Masoom, Mr. India, and Bandit Queen. He has won the National Film Award, Filmfare Awards, a BAFTA nomination, and a Golden Globe Award.
8. Deepika Padukone: The latest name to enter this iconic list is one of the greatest and most successful actresses of the modern time, Deepika Padukone. She is all set to make her debut as a jury member at the festival this year.
