On Friday 20 February 2026, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly welcomed filmmakers, creatives and industry leaders for Celebrating South Asians, an evening dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of South Asian talent across film, television and the wider entertainment industry.
Hosted during the weekend of the EE BAFTA Film Awards, the event was presented by Society O and Product of Culture in association with Chai Ventures. Conceived as a space for connection and recognition amid the intensity of awards season, the gathering brought together nominees and collaborators to celebrate collective progress and creative excellence.
Among those recognised were this year’s BAFTA nominees. Director Geeta Gandbhir attended in support of her documentary The Perfect Neighbor, which has received both BAFTA and Academy Award recognition. Addressing the audience, she reflected on the responsibility of artists to uplift one another and to stand in solidarity across communities, emphasising the global impact of storytelling rooted in truth and lived experience.
Writer Sufiyaan Salam and Luís Hindman, writer and director of the BAFTA nominated British short Magid Zafar, also shared remarks, as did Rahul Sharda, assistant director of Boong, the children’s and family film directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. Their contributions underscored the breadth of South Asian storytelling, from British Asian narratives to regional Indian cinema reaching international audiences.
An additional address came from Jessica Shah of Chai Ventures, who spoke about the firm’s commitment to backing women founders and closing the representation gap in venture capital. Her remarks highlighted the importance of investment and infrastructure in ensuring that creative and entrepreneurial talent can flourish.
The evening was hosted by Sukki Menon and Dr Parvinder Shergill, co founders of Society O, alongside Archana Misra Jain, Founder of Product of Culture. Together, they welcomed guests and reaffirmed the shared mission of amplifying South Asian voices across the screen industries.
Celebrating South Asians was not solely about accolades. It was a statement of intent. By creating a dedicated space within one of the industry’s most visible weekends, the organisers reinforced the importance of visibility, acknowledgement and sustained collaboration. The event shone a light on the artistry, influence and global reach of South Asians shaping the future of film and television, ensuring that diverse voices continue to be recognised on the world stage.
About Society O
Society O is a British cultural platform dedicated to amplifying Asian voices in theatre, film and television. It was co-founded by Sukki Menon and Dr Parvinder Shergill.
Sukki Menon is an award winning writer, director and producer known for her work in film drama and in the documentary series genre for Netflix. She is the founder and CEO of Runfire Films, a production company developing scripted and unscripted projects. A passionate advocate for inclusive representation, particularly for women of colour, she has received a Generation T Award, an Asian Women of Achievement Award and recognition at Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament for her contribution to tackling gender based violence through culture.
Dr Parvinder Shergill, MBBS BSc MRCPsych, is an award winning NHS psychiatrist as well as a BAFTA qualified filmmaker, writer and actress. In addition to her clinical work, she has hosted a mental health radio show, contributed regularly to broadcast discussions and published academic research.
About Product of Culture
Product of Culture is an agency and media platform that connects authentically with the world’s largest demographic, South Asians. Led by women of colour, it combines cultural insight, creative content strategy and immersive experiences to deliver impactful campaigns. With a strong focus on arts, culture and entertainment, the organisation spotlights the creators and movements shaping the South Asian diaspora and beyond. For further information visit www.productofculture.com
About Chai Ventures
Chai Ventures is an early stage investment fund committed to closing the representation gap for women in venture capital. The fund backs companies that improve the lives of women, foster holistic wellbeing, prioritise human connection and contribute positively to society, particularly within the consumer, healthcare and life sciences, and future of work sectors. For further information visit chai-ventures.com