Cannes 2026: Manish Raisinghani On Cannes: “We Didn’t Fit Into Boxes, We Created Our Own Space”

Actor-filmmaker Manish Raisinghani recently reflected on one of the most defining moments of his career, representing India at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival alongside Avika Gor with their films Ankahee Baatein, which was screened at the 69th Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner, and I, Me, Myself, which was showcased at the 70th Cannes Film Festival. At a time when television actors rarely explored global cinematic platforms, the duo's journey stood out as a pathbreaking moment for Indian television talent stepping onto the international stage.

Speaking about the experience, Manish shared that attending Cannes was never about labels or categories, but purely about storytelling. "We never thought about that part, we are just with all enthusiasm and joy showcased our official selection at Cannes, we didn't know quietly we expanded the map for TV actors," he said, adding that global platforms were always accessible to those willing to explore possibilities with conviction and passion.

He further expressed pride in taking Indian stories and culture to an international audience. For him, the moment was both emotionally overwhelming and creatively inspiring. "Walking that Cannes red carpet, our hearts felt the joy of being the l OGs of the Cannes red carpet, where as our mind was already, with every step on that carpet was dreaming to be GOATs of storytelling" he shared.

Interestingly, Manish emphasized that he never believed in separating television and films into different creative boxes.

According to him, Avika and Manish approched cinema as storytellers first, writing, directing, acting, shooting, and editingActor-filmmaker Manish Raisinghani recently reflected on one of the most defining moments of his career, representing India at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival alongside Avika Gor with their films Ankahee Baatein, which was screened at the 69th Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner, and I, Me, Myself, which was showcased at the 70th Cannes Film Festival. At a time when television actors rarely explored global cinematic platforms, the duo's journey stood out as a pathbreaking moment for Indian television talent stepping onto the international stage.

Speaking about the experience, Manish shared that attending Cannes was never about labels or categories, but purely about storytelling. "We never thought about that part, we are just with all enthusiasm and joy showcased our official selection at Cannes, we didn't know quietly we expanded the map for TV actors," he said, adding that global platforms were always accessible to those willing to explore possibilities with conviction and passion.

He further expressed pride in taking Indian stories and culture to an international audience. For him, the moment was both emotionally overwhelming and creatively inspiring. "Walking that Cannes red carpet, our hearts felt the joy of being the l OGs of the Cannes red carpet, where as our mind was already, with every step on that carpet was dreaming to be GOATs of storytelling" he shared.

Interestingly, Manish emphasized that he never believed in separating television and films into different creative boxes.

According to him, Avika and Manish approched cinema as storytellers first, writing, directing, acting, shooting, and editing their own work all by themselves.

Adding to his thoughts, Manish said, "For us, there was never a 'TV' or 'film' box. We hit Cannes absolutely un-amalgamated before anyone debated 'Chandivali to Cannes.' It was pure joy, zero labels, just showing our film to the world. We weren't fitting into anything. We were exploring, learning, sharing, playing cinematic all-rounders!"

He further added, "When you do every thing in your film all by yourself, you don't fit into a box, you create your own space."

Calling the journey "pure joy," Manish concluded that Cannes was never just about glamour or recognition, but about learning, exploring, and sharing stories with the world without limitations.heir own work all by themselves.

Adding to his thoughts, Manish said, "For us, there was never a 'TV' or 'film' box. We hit Cannes absolutely un-amalgamated before anyone debated 'Chandivali to Cannes.' It was pure joy, zero labels, just showing our film to the world. We weren't fitting into anything. We were exploring, learning, sharing, playing cinematic all-rounders!"

He further added, "When you do every thing in your film all by yourself, you don't fit into a box, you create your own space."

Calling the journey "pure joy," Manish concluded that Cannes was never just about glamour or recognition, but about learning, exploring, and sharing stories with the world without limitations.