Neeraj Ghaywan Calls Payal Kapadia “Biggest Indian Star”

CANNES (ANI) – Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan recently shared a candid moment with celebrated director and Cannes jury member Payal Kapadia at the ongoing 78th Cannes Film Festival, treating fans to a cheerful Instagram snapshot of their encounter.

Ghaywan, who is in France for the screening of his latest film Homebound, posted a photo of himself with Kapadia, both smiling warmly for the camera. While Ghaywan opted for a striking red suit, Kapadia kept it classic in an all-black outfit.

“Hanging out with the biggest Indian star at @festivaldecannes – @payalkapadiafilm,” Ghaywan captioned the post.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap responded with “Do chamakte huye sitaare,” while celebrities like Tahira Kashyap, Huma Qureshi, and Zoya Akhtar added heart emojis to the comments.

Ghaywan’s Homebound received a nearly nine-minute standing ovation at its Cannes premiere. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, and follows the story of two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who pursue a police job as a path to dignity, only to have desperation test their bond.

Meanwhile, Payal Kapadia returned to Cannes this year as part of the official jury. She joins an esteemed panel that includes Hollywood actor Halle Berry, Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher, French-Moroccan author Leïla Slimani, Congolese filmmaker Dieudo Hamadi, and Korean director Hong Sang-soo.

The 78th Cannes Film Festival concludes May 24.