Anasuya Sengupta has inscribed her name in the annals of history as the inaugural Indian actor to secure the illustrious Best Actress accolade at the Cannes Film Festival, heralding a monumental milestone for Indian cinema at the festival’s 77th iteration. The official Cannes Film Festival portal proclaimed the victors in the Un Certain Regard segment on May 25.

The Cannes Film Festival has been pulsating with Indian contributions, from the exclusive screening of Shyam Benegal’s ageless classic Manthan to the scintillating presence of celebrities and influencers on the renowned red carpet. Nonetheless, it was Anasuya’s riveting performance in The Shameless that truly captured the limelight.

Helmed and scripted by Bulgarian auteur Konstantin Bojanov, The Shameless explores the enthralling saga of Renuka, brought to life by Anasuya, who escapes a Delhi brothel following a momentous clash with law enforcement. Her depiction enthralled both audiences and critics, securing her the esteemed Un Certain Regard Prize for Best Actress.

The tale of The Shameless unfolds amidst a somber backdrop as Renuka seeks sanctuary within a community of sex workers, forging an improbable connection with Devika, a young girl entrapped in the same cycle of exploitation. Together, they traverse the perilous route to emancipation, and along their journey, they encounter forbidden romance.

Anasuya’s triumph signifies yet another momentous occasion for India on the global cinematic stage. Her personal victory echoes alongside other notable Indian achievements at Cannes 2024, including the acknowledgment of films like Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know and Bunnyhood in the La Cinef Selection.

Directed by physician-turned-filmmaker Chidananda Naik and Mansi Maheshwari respectively, these films exemplify the rich mosaic of storytelling emanating from India. Naik’s inspiration from indigenous folklore and Maheshwari’s intimate narrative both illustrate the diverse creative landscapes sculpting Indian cinema today.

As the curtains fall on the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, following Anasuya Sengupta’s historic win and Chidananda clinching the top prize at La Cinef, all eyes now turn to Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light, the first Indian film in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in three decades.