KASHISH Pride Film Festival Team

AMAR RAJPOOT is an IT professional with over 20 years of experience in IT Sector and a deep love for solving problems through technology. For the past 8 years, he has proudly served as the Technical Co-ordinator for KASHISH Pride Film Festival, building and supporting the festival that connects us all. He believes kindness and humility go hand in hand with leadership, and he strives to bring those values into every project and interaction. Beyond work, you’ll find him singing a tune in the kitchen, cooking something new, or offering free counseling to those who need a listening ear.

ARUN NAIR is a working professional handling a learning and development team for the BFSI sector. He has been working for the last 20 years. He love everything about movies, enjoy cooking and eating. His association with KASHISH Pride Film Festival is over a decade now, which started as a delegate and then he gradually moved into the festival team. He has done everything, from ushering to the ticket counter. Now he handles Guest and Hospitality.  Along with that he ensures that all gift hamper and the prize/trophies are presented to the winners and guests during the opening and closing nights.

DURRAIYA HASTA is a seasoned digital marketing professional and creative leader with over 15 years of experience in shaping brand narratives and strategy. She has driven high-impact campaigns across industries and geographies, blending insight with innovation. Often dubbed a “social media queen” by peers for her instinctive grasp of digital trends, Durraiya has led the digital outreach for KASHISH Pride Film Festival for the past six years. Off the clock, she’s an avid reader who thrives on big ideas, travel, and a well-made cortado!

JUHI RAJPAL is a dynamic events professional with 12 years of experience, specializing in new business development. Her strategic vision and creative passion deliver impactful, inclusive events that resonate deeply with audiences. For 15 years, she has been an integral part of the KASHISH Pride Film Festival, in various capacities. When not orchestrating events, Juhi can be found enjoying the company of dogs.

KOUSTABH MUKHERJEE is an award-winning cinematographer, educator, and film enthusiast dedicated to advancing inclusive storytelling. His films including Oru Pathira Swapnam Pole (National Award 2021), Aapish (KIFF 2024) and lately Tara, explore gender, caste, and LGBTQ+ issues. As Technical Co-ordinator at the KASHISH Pride Film Festival, he champions marginalized voices and innovative cross-cultural collaborations. Koustabh mentors emerging talent and fosters community engagement, blending traditional Indian aesthetics with global trends to create socially conscious, impactful art.

HARSHADA PATIL is a cinematographer and 3D animator, working in the media industry for the past 12 years. She is proud to be a part of KASHISH Pride Film Festival.

PARIKSHIT SHETE is a make-up artist working for TV and Films. He has been working with KASHISH Pride Film Festival since 2012. He handles responsibilities in the production team, ensuring everything runs smoothly during the festival. He also has the honor of being the first official employee at KASHISH. For his, this festival is more than an event — it’s a celebration of identity, art, and activism. He is grateful to contribute to a platform that amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices and builds a stronger, more visible community.

RAJ KANAUJIYA is a 39-year-old transgender man from Mumbai, India, and for the past 17 years, he has dedicated his work to the LGBTQI+ community. Currently he serves as the Project Coordinator of the C19 KP Grant Project Consultant at the Family Planning Association of India, Mumbai Branch, focusing on bettering LGBT+ Health and providing support for transgender ID and documents. Previously, he worked as a Recruitment Officer under the TRANScend project at The Humsafar Trust, assisting corporates in recruiting LGBTQI+ individuals as part of their Diversity and Inclusion activities. He also serves as the Secretary of INFOSEM (Indian Network for Sexual Minorities), focusing on LGBTQI+, community issues nationwide, and collaborate with organizations such as TWEET Foundation and Lokbharti to provide skill development courses and entrepreneurship support for transgender individuals.

SUMIT PAWAR is a queer rights advocate, storyteller, and educator working at the intersection of community, gender, and cinema. With over a decade of experience, he uses films as tools for dialogue, inclusion, and empowerment. He curates workshops, mentors LGBTQIA+ youth, and crafts stories from the margins. Beyond the professional hustle, he’s often found chasing sunsets, scoring goals, lighting up dance floors, or fluttering through life as a proud social butterfly.

TINESH CHOPADE is an accomplished Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional with over 13 years of experience in the social development sector. He leads global initiatives for LGBTQ+ and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) inclusion while overseeing multiple DEI pillars along with impactful initiatives advancing LGBTQ+ rights across India, driving advocacy, capacity building, and community empowerment in 27 states. Known for his strong leadership skills, Tinesh excels in building collaborative networks, designing transformative programs, and guiding teams toward creating inclusive spaces. His passion for equality and his ability to inspire collective action make him a valuable member of the KASHISH Pride Film Festival team.