Pooja Batra's short film 'Echoes Of Us' screened at Cannes 2025
Synopsis
Pooja Batra has gone from Bollywood actor to international producer — and her short film 'Echoes Of Us' landing a Cannes screening marks the clearest signal yet. Directed by Joe Rajan and produced through her LA-based Glowbell Inc, the film's French Riviera debut is a quiet but meaningful pivot for one of the 1990s' most recognisable faces.
Key Takeaways
Pooja Batra's short film 'Echoes Of Us' was screened at the Cannes Film Festival , which opened on 12 May 2025 .
The film is written and directed by Joe Rajan and stars Deepak Tijori and Spanish actress Alessandra Whelan Merediz .
It is produced by Glowbell Inc , Batra's Los Angeles -based production house.
Batra also attended Cannes in 2004 when 'Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story' was showcased there.
Batra's Bollywood debut was in 1997 with 'Virasat' ; her last screen appearance was the 2021 thriller 'Squad' .
Actress and producer Pooja Batra celebrated a milestone moment on 15 May 2025 as her short film 'Echoes Of Us' was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, which opened on 12 May on the French Riviera. Batra shared her gratitude publicly, calling the experience a proud achievement for her team.
Batra's Cannes Moment
Batra posted a series of photographs from Cannes on Instagram, featuring fellow attendees Iulia Vantur and Deepak Tijori. In her post, she extended thanks to the Festival de Cannes and Marché du Film teams, singling out director Joe Rajan and the full crew for their contributions. She also acknowledged costume designer Nidhi Casa di Moda and collaborators Vinay Shervegar and Swapnil Chobe.
What 'Echoes Of Us' Is About
'Echoes Of Us' explores themes of love, loss, and human connection, and stars Deepak Tijori alongside Spanish actress Alessandra Whelan Merediz. The film is written and directed by Joe Rajan, and is described as a poignant narrative crafted to resonate across cultures. It is produced by Glowbell Inc, the Los Angeles-based production house founded and helmed by Batra.
Notably, this is not Batra's first brush with Cannes — her earlier film 'Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story' was showcased at the festival in 2004, making her return with a production credit a significant personal arc.
Pooja Batra: Career and Background
Batra first rose to national prominence in 1993 when she was crowned Miss India International. She made her Bollywood debut in 1997 with 'Virasat', starring alongside Anil Kapoor, and followed it with 'Bhai' opposite Suniel Shetty. Her filmography also includes 'Haseena Maan Jayegi', 'Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya', 'Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye', and 'Nayak: The Real Hero'.
She is related to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a martyr honoured with India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra. Her most recent on-screen appearance was in the 2021 action thriller 'Squad', directed by Nilesh Sahay. With 'Echoes Of Us', Batra steps firmly into the role of producer on an international stage.
What This Means for Indian Short Cinema
The screening at Marché du Film — the industry market running parallel to the main Cannes competition — gives 'Echoes Of Us' significant global visibility. Indian short films securing a Cannes platform remain relatively rare, and Batra's Los Angeles-based production house adds an Indo-American dimension to the project's reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Echoes Of Us' and where was it screened?
'Echoes Of Us' is a short film exploring love, loss, and human connection, screened at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 as part of the Marché du Film. It is directed by Joe Rajan and produced by Pooja Batra's Los Angeles-based Glowbell Inc.
Who stars in Pooja Batra's short film 'Echoes Of Us'?
The film stars Deepak Tijori and Spanish actress Alessandra Whelan Merediz. Iulia Vantur also accompanied Batra at the Cannes screening, though her role in the film was not specified in available reports.
What is Glowbell Inc, Pooja Batra's production company?
Glowbell Inc is a Los Angeles-based production house founded and run by actress and entrepreneur Pooja Batra. 'Echoes Of Us' is among its productions to reach an international festival platform.
Has Pooja Batra attended Cannes before?
Yes. Pooja Batra was previously associated with Cannes in 2004, when 'Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story' was showcased at the festival. Her 2025 appearance marks a return, this time as a producer.
What is Pooja Batra known for in Bollywood?
Pooja Batra was crowned Miss India International in 1993 and made her Bollywood debut in 1997 with 'Virasat'. She is known for films including 'Haseena Maan Jayegi', 'Nayak: The Real Hero', and 'Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye'. Her last screen role was in the 2021 action thriller 'Squad'.
