Ishaan Khatter set to join Kristen Stewart, Whitney Peak, Raphaël Quenard on jury panel at Biarritz Film Festival
Mumbai, May 28
In another to his growing international presence, Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter has now been invited to serve as a jury member at the prestigious Biarritz Film Festival - Nouvelles Vagues 2026 in France.
The jury for the festival's fourth edition will be chaired by acclaimed American actress and filmmaker Kristen Stewart, with Ishaan joining an international lineup that also includes Canadian actress Whitney Peak, French actor-director Raphaël Quenard, French filmmaker Nathan Ambrosioni, French actress Suzy Bemba, Italian director Carolina Cavalli, and British actress Esme Creed-Miles, as stated in the press release.
Dedicated to celebrating young generations and emerging voices in cinema, the Biarritz Film Festival - Nouvelles Vagues has quickly become one of Europe's most closely watched festivals spotlighting the future of global storytelling and contemporary cinema culture.
With this, Ishaan Khatter has become the only Indian actor invited to be part of this year's jury lineup, placing him alongside artists and filmmakers from across the world in shaping conversations around contemporary global cinema.
The Biarritz Film Festival will take place from June 23 to June 28 in the seaside city of Biarritz in the south of France, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and emerging creative voices from across the world.
The invite comes amid a significant phase in Ishaan's career, with the actor earning appreciation for projects such as Homebound and The Royals. He was also recently featured on the Gold House Gold 100 list, becoming the only Indian male actor to make it to this year's lineup.
On the work front, Ishaan Khatter will be next seen in the upcoming fun-filled comic caper titled 'Jugaadu'.
Earlier this month, Ishaan shared his first look from the film on Instagram.
"Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for #JUGAADU - My first in and as! Cooking with an incredible and passionate team to bring you this riot of an entertainer in cinemas soon," the actor wrote.
'Jugaadu' also marks a significant crossover moment, as popular Punjabi actress Tania makes her Hindi film debut with the project.
The mahurat ceremony was held on April 30, 2026, in Mumbai, setting the tone for a spirited production, with the first schedule slated to begin in Punjab later this month, as per a press release.
The film boasts a robust ensemble including Abhishek Banerjee, Jameel Khan, Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Yamini Dass, Sukhwinder Chahal, and veteran Nirmal Rishi.
Produced by Ramesh Taurani, Pammi Baweja, Harman Baweja, and Jaya Taurani, 'Jugaadu' is made under the banner of Baweja Studios along with Tips Films.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit skeptical. He hasn't had any major box office hits recently, and he's up there with Kristen Stewart and others. But then again, festivals look at artistic merit, not commercial success. Hope he represents Indian cinema well and learns a lot from this experience.
This is a proud moment for Indian cinema! From 'Beyond the Clouds' to 'Homebound', Ishaan has shown such range. The Biarritz festival is known for fresh perspectives, and he'll bring a unique Indian sensibility to the jury. Also excited about 'Jugaadu' - love that title! 😄
Nice to see young Indian actors getting global opportunities. But let's be honest, he's still finding his footing in Bollywood. Hope this jury role doesn't distract him from improving his craft. 'Jugaadu' better be good - the supporting cast looks solid with Abhishek Banerjee and Jameel Khan!
Very well deserved! Ishaan has always chosen interesting projects. Being on the Gold 100 list and now this - he's building a solid international profile. The Biarritz lineup sounds fantastic - Kristen Stewart as chair! Can't wait to see what films they pick. India representing! 🌟
Interesting choice by Biarritz. Ishaan is relatively unknown internationally compared to other Indian actors like Priyanka or Irrfan were. But the festival seems to focus on emerging talent, so it makes sense. Hope he brings fresh perspectives from the Indian indie film scene.
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