Actor Ishita Deshmukh is still coming to terms with the news that her debut film, Gondhal, has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2027. The Marathi film, directed by Santosh Davakhar, has been chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI) for submission in the Best International Feature Film category.
For Deshmukh, the announcement arrived unexpectedly during the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at her home, turning an ordinary family gathering into an unforgettable moment.
Ishita Deshmukh Says Oscar News Feels Surreal
Speaking to HT City, the 27-year-old actor recalled the moment she learned about Gondhal’s selection.
“I am still processing… It was a normal day, and since Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are on, we have Gauri Pujan at my house. And suddenly, I get this news. This is a surreal feeling. All my relatives are home, and everyone is just watching the news,” Deshmukh said.
With her family around her when the announcement came, the actor said the significance of the moment made it difficult to immediately put her emotions into words.
‘I Feel So Grateful to Be Part of This Film’
Deshmukh said she feels particularly grateful that her debut film is connected to a story representing Maharashtrian culture and Indian cinema on an international platform.
“I feel so grateful to be part of a film that represents Maharashtrian culture and Indian filmmaking. Every actor and filmmaker has this big dream that you have to go to the Oscars,” she said.
She also credited director Santosh Davakhar for pursuing his ambitions and described the film’s Oscar selection as a moment in which she was fortunate to be part of his journey.
“Our director, Santosh Davakhar, has dreams. But today, I can say that he makes his dreams come true, and I was a part of it,” Deshmukh added.
Ishita Recalls Praying for an Acting Opportunity
The Oscar development also made Deshmukh reflect on the beginning of her journey with Gondhal. Recalling how she secured her role, the actor said she had been hoping and praying for an opportunity to prove herself.
“All I can say is that I am blessed. I auditioned for this role, and at that time I was just praying to god to give me a place so that I could work hard, and he gave me Gondhal,” she said.
For an actor making her debut, the film’s recognition has therefore become an especially meaningful milestone.
Her Parents Celebrate the Gondhal Achievement
The news has also brought immense happiness to Deshmukh’s family. She said her parents understood the importance of the Oscars and were thrilled when they saw the announcement.
“They are all really happy. My mom and dad both know about the Oscars. My grandmother doesn’t know what the Oscars are. I was explaining it to her, and she saw my name and picture come on the television,” the actor recalled.
The family’s reaction added another personal dimension to what has already become a major professional moment for the actor.
Ishita Deshmukh Says Struggles Shaped Her as an Artist
Amid the celebrations, Deshmukh also looked back at the difficulties she experienced before reaching this stage of her career. According to the actor, those challenging periods ultimately influenced the artist she has become.
“All those years have shaped me into who I am right now. It has a lot to do with the kind of artiste I have become,” she said.
Deshmukh believes personal experiences, including periods when things did not work out as hoped, can eventually find expression through an artist’s work.
“When life happens to you, you are able to channel it through your art. There was a phase when some of the things were not working out, and I know that it is a part of life, and one doesn’t exist without the other. These lessons are just a gift of life,” she added.
Gondhal Heads Towards the Oscars
With Gondhal selected as India’s submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards, the film marks a significant milestone in Ishita Deshmukh’s debut journey.
