The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF)—India’s most prestigious film festival and award ceremony—proudly announces the appointment of Rachana Navale Ashtekar, Vice President of Sinhgad Institutes, to its Advisory Board.
Her inclusion reflects DPIFF’s enduring commitment to bridge education, culture, and cinema, while empowering young creators with the values of excellence, innovation, and national pride.

“Education empowers imagination—cinema turns it into impact.”
Welcoming a leader who champions both.

About Rachana Navale Ashtekar

As Vice President (Admin) at Sinhgad Institutes, Rachana Navale Ashtekar has played a pivotal role in driving institutional standards, student-centric initiatives, and academic excellence. Her administrative leadership focuses on innovation, quality, and skill development—priorities that naturally align with DPIFF’s mission to nurture India’s creative ecosystem.

Key strengths she brings to DPIFF:

• Strategic leadership spanning academics & operations
• Youth and skill development orientation
• Strong ecosystem approach to mentorship and collaboration
• Commitment to cultural stewardship and national development

Why This Appointment Matters

The appointment strengthens DPIFF’s focus on:

• Nurturing Young Talent: Creating pathways for students and emerging filmmakers to learn, network, and showcase their work.
• Education–Industry Synergy: Building meaningful collaborations between academia, industry experts, and creative professionals.
• Global Vision: Amplifying India’s cinematic legacy on the world stage through research, training, and cultural exchange.

Pull Quote:
“With leaders like Rachana Navale Ashtekar, DPIFF deepens its mission to honour cinematic excellence while investing in the next generation of storytellers.”

A Shared Vision: Culture, Education, Cinema

DPIFF’s decade-long journey celebrates heritage, innovation, and impact. With Rachana Navale Ashtekar on the Advisory Board, DPIFF will further expand initiatives in:

• Workshops & Masterclasses with filmmakers, technicians, and academicians
• Student Fellowships & Internships during festival cycles
• Research & Publications on cinema, culture, and creative industries
• On-Ground Volunteering for experiential learning at DPIFF events

Words of Welcome

DPIFF Leadership:
“We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Rachana Navale Ashtekar to the Advisory Board. Her leadership in education and youth empowerment will meaningfully guide DPIFF’s long-term vision of fostering culture and creativity for India and the world.”

Rachana Navale Ashtekar:
“It’s an honour to join DPIFF’s Advisory Board. I look forward to contributing to initiatives that bring education and cinema closer, inspire young talent, and elevate India’s global cultural standing.”

About DPIFF

Founded to honour the legacy of Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema, DPIFF is committed to celebrating excellence across Indian cinema while promoting cultural heritage, sustainability, and global collaboration. Over the years, DPIFF has emerged as a platform where established icons and emerging voices converge to shape the future of storytelling.

About Sinhgad Institutes

Sinhgad Institutes is a reputed education ecosystem based in Pune with a wide academic footprint. Under leadership that values best practices and industry relevance, the institution fosters holistic development and practical skills—ideals that powerfully resonate with DPIFF’s youth-centric mission.

How Students & Creators Can Engage

• Submit short films and independent projects during nomination windows
• Join DPIFF workshops for hands-on learning with industry experts
• Apply for volunteer opportunities during the festival to gain real-world experience
• Follow DPIFF’s official channels for open calls, updates, and event schedules

Be part of the movement that celebrates art, nurtures talent, and builds India’s cultural future.
Follow @dpiff_official and visit dpiff.in for updates on nominations, masterclasses, and the grand celebration.

FAQs

1) Who has been appointed to the Advisory Board?
Rachana Navale Ashtekar, Vice President of Sinhgad Institutes.

2) What will her role involve?
Strategic guidance for youth initiatives, education–industry collaboration, and long-term cultural programming.

3) How can students participate in DPIFF?
Through film submissions, workshops, volunteering, and internship opportunities announced on dpiff.in and official social channels.

4) When is the next major DPIFF celebration?
Refer to the official website and social handles for the latest event dates, schedules, and nomination timelines.