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Delhi Dreams and Hollywood Visions: Meet the Makers of ‘Zari’

Discover how a fascination with Indian sari stores sparked a queer coming-of-age film. The filmmakers reveal the inspirations and collaborations behind their award-winning short.

Kajri Akhtar (L) and Shruti Parekh, Producer and Writer and Director of Zari. / Photo courtesy of Team Zari

‘Zari’ is a cross-cultural, queer, coming-of-age short film set in and around a Delhi sari store amidst the preparations for a wedding. The film has been produced by LA-based Kajri Akhtar, and written and directed by Indian American filmmaker Shruti Parekh, who was one of four winners of the prestigious Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge presented by CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), an Asian American film organization in Hollywood, and Janet Yang Productions, helmed by Janet Yang, President of the Academy of Motion Pictures.

New India Abroad had the opportunity to interview the director and producer of ‘Zari.’ Excerpts from the interview here:

Also read: ‘American Sikh’ wins 2025 Webby Award for best video & film animation

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