Ritesh Sidhwani
Filmmaker
Ritesh Sidhwani, Excel Entertainment's co-founder, has been a key player in transforming Indian cinema. His debut film, "Dil Chahta Hai," secured a National Award in 2001, marking the beginning of a noteworthy career. Ritesh's influence extends globally, integrating international filmmaking techniques into Hindi cinema, earning it widespread acclaim. Another National Award came his way for "Rock On" in 2008.
Over a decade, Ritesh has championed emerging talent, nurturing creativity in over a dozen diverse films, including hits like "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" and "Gully Boy." He spearheaded innovation by establishing a digital content division under Excel, creating India's inaugural original series, "Inside Edge," nominated for the 2018 International Emmy Awards. Following its success, Amazon Prime commissioned acclaimed series like "Mirzapur" and "Made In Heaven."
Originally from a home appliances marketing background, Ritesh Sidhwani co-founded Excel Entertainment with Farhan Akhtar, showcasing versatility and leadership. His extensive filmography includes producing successes like "Don 2" and "Dil Dhadakne Do," while his digital endeavors further cement his impact on India's entertainment landscape. With recent releases such as "Dahaad" and "Bambai Meri Jaan," Ritesh continues to shape the future of Indian storytelling.