Without women, there wouldn’t have been any reproduction or continuity. It’s incredible that the IFFD is focusing on this theme because it celebrates the very core of what women bring to cinema – Esha Gupta, Bollywood Actress

Picture : Instagram/egupta

Bollywood actress Esha Gupta highlighted the pivotal role of women in cinema, underscoring their significant contributions both on and off screen, during the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026.

Speaking at the event, Gupta discussed the growing influence of the female gaze in contemporary storytelling and asserted that this perspective has existed since the beginning of time. She said, “Female gaze started when the earth was made. Without women, there wouldn’t have been any reproduction or continuity. It’s incredible that the IFFD is focusing on this theme because it celebrates the very core of what women bring to cinema.”

Gupta also emphasised the importance of amplifying the voices of female storytellers and creators, stressing the need to provide platforms where they can share stories from distinctive perspectives. “It’s important that women are recognized for their contributions, and I believe festivals like IFFD are the perfect platform to celebrate and encourage their storytelling,” she added.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar supported the initiative, praising platforms that celebrate cinema and facilitate cultural exchange. “It’s a great initiative by the Delhi government. Programs like these allow audiences to watch diverse films, attend masterclasses, and interact with filmmakers. Cinema lovers get exposure to a wide range of content,” he said.