Acclaimed Bollywood director and producer Kiran Rao has expressed a keen interest in exploring the cinematic landscape of Bangladesh, signaling a potential new chapter in regional film collaboration.

During a recent industry event in Delhi, Rao said she hopes to visit Bangladesh in the future and work closely with the country’s independent filmmakers.

Her remarks came at Doc Producing South, an international producing lab dedicated to supporting independent documentary filmmakers from South Asia. The five-day event, held in Delhi from September 1 to 5, brought together creators from across South Asia, Europe, and the United States for a series of workshops and discussions on screenplay development, budget planning, project pitching, and distribution strategies.

Arifur Rahman Arif, founder of Gupi Bagha Productions and the only representative from Bangladesh at the event, described the lab as a transformative opportunity for independent cinema in the region.

“This platform is a major boost for South Asian independent films,” he said. “It allowed us to collaborate with filmmakers from diverse cultural backgrounds, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections. I believe this initiative will open new doors for our filmmakers in the global arena.”

Among the notable participants was Kiran Rao, known for her critically acclaimed directorial and production work in films such as Dhobi Ghat and Laapataa Ladies. Rao, who previously directed Zero and co-founded the production house Paani Foundation with Aamir Khan, engaged in an in-depth conversation with Arif during the event.

“Kiran Rao told me that if the opportunity arises, she would love to come to Bangladesh,” Arif revealed. “She specifically expressed interest in collaborating with independent Bangladeshi filmmakers. We discussed potential joint projects, though I can’t disclose the details yet. The official announcement will be made in due course.”

Rao also pledged her support for the international distribution of independent South Asian documentaries, emphasizing the importance of amplifying regional voices on the global stage.

The interaction has sparked optimism within Bangladesh’s emerging film community, with many viewing Rao’s interest as a significant endorsement of the country’s growing indie cinema movement. As cross-border creative partnerships gain momentum, the possibility of a Bangladesh-India collaborative film project led by prominent figures like Kiran Rao could mark a milestone in South Asian cinema.

For now, Arif remains hopeful: “This is just the beginning. With more platforms like Doc Producing South, we can build bridges, tell powerful stories, and bring Bangladeshi cinema to the world.”