The 3rd day of the 13th edition of Rajnigandha Presents Jagran Film Festival (JFF) at Siri Fort Auditorium delivered yet another exciting blend of screenings, masterclasses, and dialogues. With its focus on fresh voices, celebrated talent, industry insights, and futuristic technology, Day 3 reflected the festival’s spirit of discovery and connection — uniting cinephiles, students, and industry leaders in an atmosphere charged with creativity and collaboration.
Day 3 at Jagran Film Festival 2025 was all about emotions and meaningful conversations. The day opened with the screening of Tanvi The Great, directed by Anupam Kher, followed by an insightful session with the film’s writer, Ankur Suman. What started as a discussion on the film’s themes soon turned into a deeply personal and emotional exchange with special guests in the audience. Drawing from the film’s essence, a parent shared her own struggles—speaking about the lack of support she faces within her family, the challenges of raising a special child, and her greatest fear: the safety and well-being of her child in a world without her. Her words resonated strongly across the room, leaving many eyes moist and hearts full.
The screening was followed by a session titled Between Classrooms and Cameras, with Inayat Verma setting the tone with fresh perspectives. Actor Jaideep Ahlawat took center stage in his masterclass, offering deep insights into his craft. A session on Film Policies & Incentives saw Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh outline their vision for filmmakers, followed by the JFF Untitled Film Contest Networking Brief, sparking collaborations among emerging creators. Tech met storytelling with Ashish Ranjan’s Virtual Production session, while the day wrapped with an engaging In Conversation between Rajat Kapoor and Radheshyam Pipalwa on the art and resilience of independent cinema and the premiere of their upcoming film Putul.
The newest addition to the festival, JFF Little Lights – A Celebration of Young Voices, was graced today by one of the most versatile child actors, Inayat Verma. In a heartfelt conversation, she spoke about balancing her personal and professional life—leaving the audience both inspired and in awe! With her wit, candour, and refreshing honesty, Inayat charmed the audience, proving that children can often be the sharpest and most imaginative storytellers. Talking to the young audience, Inayat Verma said, “I carry my books during my shootings, I study and read through my portion during lunch breaks and shots. I believe that studies should be taken in a fun way and not as a difficult task, which helps me to continue my acting career while not letting it affect my academics.”
Up next, the cinema enthusiast saw popular actor Jaideep Ahlawat unpack the craft of acting in an engaging masterclass. With anecdotes and insights, he spoke about discipline, hard work, choosing scripts, and the magic behind building unforgettable characters. Talking about choosing his roles, he said, “Kahaani ka Nayak nahi hota, Nayak ki Kahaani hoti hai (It’s never the story of the hero, it’s the hero’s story that matters). It’s important to choose the story; the hero will automatically come into the picture. Do not run behind the role, but see the strength of the story.”
The day closed with an insightful conversation with the unconventional actor Rajat Kapoor and film producer Radheshyam Pipalwa, where the duo explored the art and grit of independent cinema, from creative risks to the joy of storytelling beyond the mainstream. Talking about the most amazing part of filmmaking, Rajat Kapoor said, “Every process is quite different. When you are writing, you are on your own, and you create your own work, which is very joyful. When you make a film, there is a kind of madness with over 120 people on set, and a chaos which I absolutely love. Being on a film set is beautiful.”
As the curtains came down on Day 3, Jagran Film Festival once again reaffirmed its role as more than just a festival it is a meeting ground for stories, ideas, and people that shape the present and future of cinema.