NSFF26 Official Jury Panel
Niraj Kumar Mishra
National Award Winning Director
Niraj Kumar Mishra is a National Award-winning filmmaker whose remarkable journey from television veteran to celebrated cinema director stands as one of the most inspiring stories in contemporary Indian filmmaking. With over two decades of experience across television, OTT, and film, he has helmed more than 25 shows encompassing over 2,000 episodes — including the iconic Kaun Banega Crorepati (Season 1), the Guinness World Record-holding sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and the gripping courtroom drama Adaalat. As a screenwriter, he entered Hindi cinema with Baaghi 2 (2018), the highest-grossing Hindi film of that year. His directorial debut, the Maithili-language philosophical anthology Samanantar (The Parallel) — which he wrote, directed, and produced — earned him the prestigious 69th National Film Award for Best Feature Film (Maithili) and was shortlisted for Cannes. He has also served on the juries of the National Film Awards, IFFI, and CBFC. NSFF 2026 is honoured to have him bring his exceptional cinematic insight to our jury.
Nidhi Singh Dharma
Acclaimed Writer
Nidhi Singh Dharma is a versatile and accomplished writer and director whose work spans the full spectrum of Indian storytelling — from intimate short films to mainstream blockbusters. She is widely recognised for her significant contribution to the blockbuster patriotic drama Mission Mangal (2019), one of the most celebrated films of its era, bringing together an extraordinary ensemble led by Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar. She has also written and directed acclaimed short films including Redolence and Bridge — the latter featuring R. Madhavan, Raashii Khanna, and Soha Ali Khan — showcasing her remarkable range as a storyteller who moves effortlessly between the intimate and the grand. With a sharp eye for human narratives and a craft refined across genres, Nidhi Singh Dharma brings both creative depth and industry experience to the NSFF 2026 Jury Panel.
Amarnath Jha
Acclaimed Writer · Guest Speaker, NSFF 2024
Amarnath Jha is a celebrated storyteller whose creative vision spans theatre, cinema, television, and digital platforms. Born in Jhanjharpur, Bihar, and shaped by the rich literary traditions of Mithila, he honed his craft alongside theatre legends Habib Tanvir and Usha Ganguli before making his distinctive mark on Indian screen writing. A novelist, lyricist, screenwriter, and creative director, he is widely known as the writer behind the bold socio-political feature Bastar: The Naxal Story and serves as Creative Director of the upcoming film Charak. His television legacy includes beloved shows such as Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Shararat, and Dafa 420, while his debut novel deCODE RED: Inside Story of Maoist Operations earned wide critical acclaim. Having graced NSFF 2024 as a distinguished Guest Speaker, he returns to the National Students' Film Festival as an esteemed member of the Jury for NSFF 2026.
Vandita Chakradeo
Acclaimed Editor | Jury, NSFF 2026
Vandita Chakradeo is a talented and accomplished film editor whose work reflects a refined sensibility for the rhythm and soul of storytelling. With a body of work that spans diverse genres — from the period drama Darbaan (2020) and the deeply evocative romance Laal Ishq (2016) to the bold and critically noted 200 Halla Ho (2021) and the heartwarming Preetam (2021) — she has demonstrated a consistent ability to shape narratives with precision, pace, and emotional depth. Editing, at its finest, is the invisible art that gives a film its heartbeat, and Vandita Chakradeo has mastered exactly that — bringing together performances, music, and vision into seamless, compelling cinema. Her contributions to Indian film stand as a testament to the craft and dedication she brings to every frame. NSFF 2026 is delighted and honoured to welcome her to the jury, where her discerning eye and editorial expertise will help recognise and celebrate the best of India's emerging filmmaking talent.
Vishal Chaturvedi
Writer, Director & Producer | Jury, NSFF 2026
Vishal Chaturvedi is a dynamic and versatile filmmaker whose creative footprint spans writing, direction, and production across cinema, television, and digital media. A storyteller at his core, he has spent over a decade and a half building a body of work that reflects both depth of craft and a keen sensitivity to the world around him. He co-directed the bold and much-discussed Hindi film Hurdang (2022) — a gripping romantic drama set against the charged backdrop of the 1990s student agitation in Allahabad, featuring Sunny Kaushal, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and Vijay Varma — and is also known for Setu (2023) and Fauji 2. His earlier work includes producing and directing music albums and serials for Doordarshan, demonstrating his commitment to storytelling in all its forms. As the founder of Swambhu Media, he has continued to champion original, purpose-driven content in the Indian creative ecosystem. A dedicated mentor to emerging filmmakers, Vishal Chaturvedi brings to the NSFF 2026 jury not only a practitioner's sharp eye but also a deep understanding of the challenges and aspirations of young talent finding its voice in cinema.
Rahul Suhas
Music Director
Rahul Suhas is a gifted music director who has carved a distinctive space for himself in Indian cinema through his evocative compositions and a deep sensitivity to the emotional pulse of storytelling. With an innate ability to weave melody into narrative, his work reflects a nuanced understanding of how music can transform a cinematic experience from the ordinary to the deeply memorable. His creative journey across film and audio-visual mediums has established him as a respected and trusted voice in the world of Indian film music — one who approaches each project with both technical mastery and soulful artistry. NSFF 2026 warmly welcomes him to the jury, where his musical expertise will play a vital role in recognising the finest voices of the next generation of Indian filmmakers.