In this special Industry Spotlight, a Film Bazaar 2025 feature, actor and producer Ira Dubey joined Lohita Sujith, Sr. Director, Copyright & Digital Economy, Motion Picture Association, to reflect on a career grounded in theatre and expanded through producing. Coming from a family of performers, she described theatre as her “first home”, where discipline, instinct, and craft were forged. While film, OTT, and stage demand different techniques, she noted that the essence of acting remains the same: the body and voice in full service of story.

Ira discussed her move into producing in 2017 with an adaptation of Mr. and Mrs. Jinnah. Though mounting the project proved challenging, it gave her a deep understanding of development ,rights, material, and the long road of pitching, while reinforcing her mission to tell women-led stories with nuance, humor, and emotional integrity.

As founder of Leela Natak Company, she aims to create resonant cinema centered on human relationships and grounded in authentic female perspectives. Theatre continues to be her anchor, offering continuous “riyaz” and connection to performance at its purest.

Speaking about Waves Film Bazaar, Ira shared her excitement about attending for the first time. She sees Waves as an essential window into the business of filmmaking—especially for actors, who often stay focused solely on the creative side. Arriving well-prepared, she hopes to build meaningful relationships with producers and industry leaders, viewing Waves as both a learning platform and a launchpad for future collaborations.