RITESH SIDHWANI & FARHAN AKHTAR

Excel Entertainment, co-founded by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar in 1999, has reshaped Indian Cinema over the past two decades.

Beginning with the groundbreaking film ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ in 2001, they have consistently pushed the envelope in cinematic storytelling. Their diverse filmography includes classics like ‘Lakshya’, set against the backdrop of the 1999 Kargil War, the thrilling ‘Don’, and the bittersweet comedy ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd’. They’ve also produced notable films like ‘Talaash’, ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, and ‘Fukrey’, and ventured into new territory with ‘Gully Boy’, India’s first hip-hop film and an official entry to the Academy Awards. Significantly, Excel Entertainment’s contributions have been recognized with two National Awards, the highest honour given by the President of India, for providing wholesome entertainment. These accolades are a testament to their commitment to quality cinema and their impact on the Indian film landscape.

Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have been pivotal in this journey, blending their creative vision with a knack for identifying compelling stories. They’ve collaborated with the best in both Indian and international filmmaking, bringing global standards to Indian cinema. Excel Entertainment has embraced the digital age, producing India’s first original series for Amazon Prime Video . Their first series, ‘Inside Edge’, was nominated for an International Emmy for Best Drama Series. Following its success, they partnered with Amazon Prime for ‘Mirzapur’ ‘Made in Heaven’, ‘Dahaad’ and most recently, ‘Bambai Meri Jaan’ that have been critically acclaimed and widely viewed. With these achievements, Excel continues to elevate India’s presence in global cinema and is committed to delivering exceptional content to audiences worldwide.