Jaydeep Sarkar

Jaydeep’s breakthrough project is the documentary series Rainbow Rishta.

Sometimes, in order to drive a conversation forward, you have to take a vital role in it, and that’s just what producer and director Jaydeep Sarkar has done with the groundbreaking Amazon Prime series, Rainbow Rishta (2023). As showrunner and series director, Jaydeep wanted to showcase queer joy in India like it had never been seen before, exploring six LGBTQIA+ love stories in an authentic and intimate way. Having taken 30 years to no longer hide his own queer identity and come out, Jaydeep hopes the series will inspire those in a similar situation to accept and be proud of their sexuality. The series was rewarded with a GLAAD Media Awards nomination, the first Indian documentary to earn a nod in the Outstanding Documentary category.

Jaydeep started his career in the industry as a writer, working on such films and TV series as Khoya Khoya Chand (2007), Shaurya (2008) and Ishaan (2010-2011). He has continued to challenge existing norms through his directorial work, including the short Nayantara’s Necklace (2014) and his campaign film made for The Times of India, entitled Times Out and Proud (2019), which won a One Screen Award bestowed by The One Club for Creativity, while the campaign won a Cannes Lion. His work continues to push boundaries and has won several other accolades across the world.

In their own words…

“I am beyond thrilled to be chosen as a BAFTA Breakthrough… Creating art and telling stories that are deeply personal can often be lonely, arduous and ridden with existential angst. This precious recognition comes as a powerful validation of my journey. It’s a milestone that gives me the courage to be even braver as an artist going forward. I eagerly look forward to my journey ahead, engaging and collaborating with international and domestic artists, learning more about their journey and craft and honing my own art further.”