Honoured at RIFF 2026, Iti Acharya Speaks on Evolving Role of Women in Indian Cinema

Actress and producer Iti Acharya is steadily emerging as a prominent voice in Indian regional cinema, creating a strong presence across major film festivals from Rajasthan to Karnataka. With her roots in Rajasthan and a flourishing career in Bengaluru, Iti exemplifies the new generation of artistes breaking regional barriers while championing women-centric storytelling.

Iti was recently invited to speak at Women of Cinema panel discussion at the Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF) 2026, held in Jodhpur. The panel featured well-known names from Indian cinema, including Aditi Pohankar, Seema Kapoor and Jayati Bhatia, and focused on the evolving role of women in Indian films, both in front of and behind the camera.

The appearance followed a major achievement for Iti, her Kannada film “4by4,” received a Special Jury Mention at the Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFES) 2026. The recognition places 4by4 among the notable women-led films showcased at BIFFES and highlights the growing importance of meaningful regional cinema in India.

During the discussion, Iti Acharya spoke about her journey as an actress moving from Rajasthan to Bengaluru, adapting to a new language, culture and film industry at a young age. She acknowledged the Kannada film industry and Kannada audiences for embracing her work and providing a platform to grow.

At RIFF 2026, Iti was felicitated by renowned actor, director and producer Makarand Deshpande, in the presence of leading casting director Mukesh Chhabra, Dhurandar fame singer Shahzad Ali, actor Anoop Soni, poet and television personality Shailesh Lodha and several national and international award-winning filmmakers.

Speaking about her Kannada film 4by4, Acharya described it as a powerful narrative centred on four women from different socio-economic backgrounds. The film explores contemporary women’s struggles and stands out as an all-women-led project—both in storytelling and perspective—reflecting a broader shift in Indian regional cinema towards inclusive, socially relevant narratives.

“Women’s struggles have changed with time, and cinema must evolve to reflect those realities. Films have the power to create awareness and spark conversations across cultures and languages,” said Acharya.