Actor-filmmaker Sayani Gupta has been named Person of the Year by Harvard University South Asian Association, in recognition of her significant contributions to cinema, storytelling, and the impactful representation of South Asian identities on the global stage.

Sayani Gupta on being named South Asian Person of the Year 2026 by Harvard University, “It means a lot to represent India and South Asia”

The award ceremony was held at Harvard University on April 24, where Sayani made a graceful appearance in an embellished ivory saree by Manish Malhotra. With her hair worn open and her look rooted in understated elegance, she posed against the iconic Harvard campus before delivering a moving acceptance speech that drew warm applause from the audience.

This prestigious honour is awarded to individuals who have played a defining role in shaping South Asian identity and representation in public life. Harvard SAA recognised Sayani for her fearless, authentic, and convention-defying body of work in projects such as Article 15 and Four More Shots Please!—performances that have consistently challenged norms and expanded the lens of contemporary Indian storytelling.

Speaking on the honour, Sayani Gupta said: “It’s an incredible honour. It means a lot to represent our country, India, and South Asia on such a global forum. I would like to give credit to everybody who has been a part of my journey and helped shape me, my parents, my teachers, and my family, whose invaluable contribution has made this day possible.”

She continued, “I would also like to acknowledge the films I have been a part of, and the storytellers who gave me those opportunities. I am deeply honoured, humbled, and grateful to be receiving this global recognition as South Asian Person of the Year. I do not take this lightly, and I will continue in my pursuit to excel in every endeavour I undertake and strive to be a responsible storyteller. Thank you to Harvard University South Asian Association for bestowing me with this honour. I am deeply moved and profoundly grateful.”

Adding to this milestone, Sayani is also stepping into a new creative chapter with her directorial debut short film, Aasmani, which premieres at WorldFest-Houston on April 25, 2026.

An alumna of Film and Television Institute of India, Sayani’s journey—from FTII to being honoured at Harvard—marks an inspiring moment for Indian cinema, with Indian artistry and storytelling being celebrated on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms. Joining the ranks of distinguished past recipients such as Vikas Khanna, this recognition further cements her place as one of the most compelling voices representing modern Indian cinema globally.

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