Rahman strikes the right note as Bafta talent ambassador
OSCAR-winning Indian music composer AR Rahman was on Monday (30) announced as the ambassador for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’s (Bafta) Breakthrough Initiative.
The programme, supported by Netflix, aims to “identify, celebrate, and support” up to five talented individuals working in film, games, or TV in India.
Rahman said he was “thrilled” to work with Bafta to discover talent that the country has to offer. “This is a unique opportunity for promising artists to be supported by a world-renowned organisation, to not only make connections with other talented creatives across the world but to be mentored by Bafta-winners and nominees.
“I am looking forward to seeing the brilliant talent chosen from India to be showcased on a global stage,” the 53-year-old composer said.
Amanda Berry OBE, the chief executive of Bafta, said Rahman shared the team’s passion for identifying and nurturing new talent.
The flagship initiative, applications for which are now open, is part of Bafta’s year-round work to support new talent, operating alongside their awards ceremonies worldwide.
Bafta Breakthrough India will help facilitate the development of relationships between British talent and India’s home-grown creatives. As part of the scheme, a jury of British and Indian industry experts will select five talents from across India to take part in the year-long mentoring and guidance programme. They will receive one-toone mentoring, global networking opportunities, free access to Bafta events and screenings for 12 months, and full voting Bafta membership.