Gujarati producer Rajita Shah has won nomination for BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) for her 'Love Sarah' – the first movie to screen in the UK and other countries after Covid restrictions were lifted – under her Miraj Films banner. The list comprises 25 actors, directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, etc. working in the UK. She was the only Indian-origin person to receive the 2021 honours, and one of the few to be featured over the years.
“It’s a very prestigious selection by BAFTA that chooses two producers every year. It means a lot of support from the BAFTA team in helping the company expand, assistance in mentorship with big production companies, and creating a solid profile in industry,” said Rajita. Daughter of Surat-based businessman Rajan Shah and Mita Shah, Rajita is an alumna of School of Visual Arts in the US and Royal Holloway London University in production and filmmaking. She tried her hand at short films and direction but realized that production was her calling.
“BAFTA Breakthrough is the recognition for the work I have done in the past 10 years. After 'Love Sarah', I have been working on two projects, including a fascinating real-life story of women’s football in the UK from 1929 to 1970s. Two of my executive producers - Paras Mehta and Kartik Shah - are from Surat,” said Rajita, adding that she also plans to adapt two acclaimed books, Our Endless Numbered Days and Kika & Me, for celluloid.
If one compares work with the Indian film industry, the challenges are the same, avers Rajita, who has been working in the UK for the past two decades. “There are only a few women filmmakers in a country like India, which is shocking, given the number of films produced annually. So, I believe that people like me can improve diversity and give an impetus to new voices,” she says.
