Neeru Sharma’s Debut Film Bandra Boy Gains International Recognition at Two New York Film Festivals

 Neeru Sharma’s Debut Film Bandra Boy Gains International Recognition at Two New York Film Festivals

Mumbai: Former entertainment journalist-turned-filmmaker Neeru Sharma has received a major boost in her filmmaking journey as her debut short film Bandra Boy earned recognition at two international film festivals in New York.

The 21-minute Hindi thriller has been named a Semifinalist at the Frames of New York Film Festival and has also been recognized as an Award Winner at the New York International Women Festival, marking a significant achievement for Sharma's first film as a writer and director.  

Bandra Boy explores themes of media narratives, public perception and the fine line between truth and opinion in the digital age. The film examines how headlines, public scrutiny and social judgment can shape a person's image long before facts emerge, a subject that has resonated with festival audiences and juries alike.

For Sharma, who spent more than two decades covering Bollywood and the entertainment industry as a journalist before moving into filmmaking, the recognition carries special significance.

“I am extremely happy and grateful that Bandra Boy, my debut film as a director, is receiving international recognition. This story comes from years of observing the entertainment industry, media culture and the way public perception is formed. Such recognition motivates me to continue telling meaningful stories,” said Neeru Sharma.

Before making Bandra Boy, Sharma pursued formal training in filmmaking at Whistling Woods International, founded by filmmaker Subhash Ghai. Her transition from journalism to cinema has attracted attention within industry circles, with many viewing the film as a reflection of her years of experience reporting on celebrity culture and media narratives.

The film stars Ahwaan Kumar in the lead role, alongside acclaimed Gujarati and Marathi actor Dharmendra Gohil. The ensemble cast also includes Lochan Barsagade, Yash Pednekar, Sham Thombare, Pawan Tiwari, Aishwarya Manohar, Himanshi Mandalia and Nandini Sharma.

Produced by Rajeev Parashar, Bandra Boy features editing by Sandeep Kurup, known for films such as Mubarakan, Sadak 2 and Crakk. Cinematography has been handled by Aayush Shah, while the background score is composed by Kaushal Mahavir.

The film has already begun its international festival journey, and its early success at two New York-based festivals has positioned it among the notable independent Indian short films currently making an impact overseas. For Neeru Sharma, the achievement marks an encouraging start to a new chapter—one that has taken her from reporting stories to creating them.