Anuparna Roy is an Indian filmmaker and screenwriter who rose to fame in 2025 after winning the Best Director Award in the Orizzonti section at the Venice International Film Festival. She made history with her debut feature film, Songs of Forgotten Trees, becoming the first Indian to receive this honor in that category.
Born in Narayanpur, a small village in West Bengal’s Purulia district, Anuparna came from a modest background. Before entering the film industry, she worked in a call center in Delhi and later as an IT sales executive in Mumbai. Her journey into cinema began with acting workshops and assistant directing, eventually leading her to write and direct her own film.
Early Life & Background
Anuparna was born on May 9, 1994, in Narayanpur, a quiet village in the Purulia district of West Bengal. Her zodiac sign is Taurus, known for being strong-willed and dependable—traits that clearly show in her journey. She grew up in a middle-class family, far from the glamour of the film world. Her father, Brahmananda Roy, was a retired colliery officer. Her mother, Manisha Roy, was a homemaker. Together, they raised Anuparna with values of hard work, honesty, and education.
Narayanpur is not a place known for producing filmmakers. It’s a village where girls are often married young, and dreams are kept small. But Anuparna was different. She loved books, stories, and the idea of creating something meaningful. Her early years were filled with quiet observations, strong emotions, and a growing desire to express herself. She often spoke about how her friend Jhuma was married off at 13 under a government scheme and then disappeared. That silence stayed with her and later became part of her film’s soul.
Education
Anuparna’s education began in Narayanpur Primary School. She later studied at Ranipur Colliery High School and Naopara High School. Her school days were filled with reading, writing, and dreaming. She was a bright student who loved English literature and storytelling. Her teachers often praised her for her essays and creative thinking.
After finishing school, she joined Kulti College under Burdwan University. There, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Her love for words and stories grew stronger during this time. She read authors like Virginia Woolf, Rabindranath Tagore, and Toni Morrison. These writers shaped her understanding of human emotions, memory, and identity. Later, she moved to Delhi to study Mass Communication.
Anuparna Roy Wiki | BIO
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anuparna Roy |
| Date of Birth | 9 May 1994 (Monday) |
| Age (as of 2025) | 32 Years |
| Birthplace | Narayanpur, West Bengal, India |
| Hometown | Narayanpur, West Bengal |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Height (approx.) | 5′ 7″ (171 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Brown |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Education | Bachelor’s in English Literature |
| College/University | Burdwan University |
| Previous Jobs | Call Center Agent (Delhi), IT Sales Executive (Mumbai) |
| Acting Training | Actor Prepares (Anupam Kher’s Institute) |
| Film Industry Debut | Assistant Director – Run to the River (2023) |
| Directorial Debut | Songs of Forgotten Trees (2025) |
| Major Achievement | Best Director Award – Venice Film Festival (2025) |
| Net Worth (approx.) | ₹3 Crore INR |
| Parents | Father – Brahmananda Roy (Retired Officer) |
| Hobbies | Travelling, Reading |
| @annieroy09/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Anuparna_Roy |
Physical Appearance
Anuparna stands tall at 5 feet 7 inches (171 cm). Her height gives her a graceful presence, whether she’s on stage or behind the camera. She has black eyes that reflect thoughtfulness and depth. Her hair is brown, often worn in simple styles that match her grounded personality.
She doesn’t chase fashion trends or flashy looks. Her style is minimal, elegant, and true to herself. Whether she’s attending a film festival or giving an interview, she chooses comfort over glamour. Her appearance reflects her focus on substance rather than surface. She believes that what you say and create matters more than how you look.
Jobs in Delhi and Mumbai
Before entering the film world, Anuparna worked in regular jobs like many young people. She started in a call center in Delhi. The job was tough, with long hours and little pay. But it taught her discipline, patience, and how to deal with people. She saved money and kept her dream alive.
Later, she moved to Mumbai and worked as an IT sales executive. This job was more stable, but it wasn’t her passion. She often felt stuck, knowing she wanted to do something creative. Still, she used her time wisely. She learned how to manage work, money, and time. She also started writing her first film script during this period.
Struggles & Mumbai Life
When Anuparna quit her job and decided to make films, life wasn’t easy. She moved into a rented apartment in Mumbai with two other girls. The space was small, the budget was tight, and the future was uncertain. But she didn’t give up. She wrote, planned, and dreamed every day.
Her parents sent her some money to help with rent and food. She used that money wisely, often spending it on film equipment, workshops, and writing. She cooked with her roommates, shared stories, and built a small world where creativity could grow. It was during this time that she started writing Songs of Forgotten Trees.
Acting Training & Preparation
After deciding to pursue filmmaking seriously, Anuparna knew she needed to understand performance from the inside out. She enrolled at Actor Prepares, the acting institute founded by veteran actor Anupam Kher. This was a turning point. The institute didn’t just teach her how to act—it helped her understand the emotional depth behind every scene, every line, and every silence.
At Actor Prepares, Anuparna learned the basics of acting, including voice modulation, body language, and character building. She attended workshops that focused on method acting, improvisation, and scene study. These sessions helped her see how actors think and feel, which later made her a more empathetic director. She didn’t just direct actors—she understood them.
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Entry into the Film Industry
In 2023, Anuparna got her first break in the film industry. She worked as an assistant director on the indie film Run to the River. It wasn’t a big-budget project, but it was a big step for her. The film explored themes of migration and memory, and Anuparna was deeply involved in the creative process.
As an assistant director, she handled scheduling, coordinated with the crew, and helped manage the set. But more importantly, she observed how a film comes together—from script to screen. She watched the director work with actors, solve problems, and make creative decisions. This experience gave her a behind-the-scenes view of filmmaking that no classroom could offer.
Directorial Debut: Songs of Forgotten Trees (2025)
In 2025, Anuparna made her directorial debut with Songs of Forgotten Trees. The film was a quiet, poetic exploration of memory, silence, and the lives of women in rural India. It was inspired by her own experiences growing up in Narayanpur and the stories she heard but never saw on screen.
The idea for the film came from a memory of her friend Jhuma, who was married off at 13 and disappeared from her life. That silence haunted Anuparna. She wanted to make a film that gave voice to girls like Jhuma—girls whose stories are often forgotten. The trees in the film symbolized memory, rootedness, and the passage of time.
Venice International Film Festival (2025)
In September 2025, Songs of Forgotten Trees was selected for the Orizzonti (Horizons) section at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. This section focuses on new trends in world cinema, and Anuparna’s film stood out for its quiet strength and emotional depth. It was the only Indian entry in that category, making her achievement even more remarkable.
The film received a standing ovation at its screening. Critics praised its visual storytelling, emotional honesty, and unique voice. Anuparna was invited to speak at panels, give interviews, and share her journey. She spoke about growing up in Narayanpur, working in call centers, and making films with limited resources. Her story touched hearts and inspired many.
Awards & Honors
The biggest milestone in Anuparna Roy’s career so far is her win at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. She received the Best Director Award in the Orizzonti section for Songs of Forgotten Trees. This award is given to films that show new trends in world cinema. Her win was historic—she became the first Indian to receive this honor.
The award brought her global attention. Film critics, media outlets, and audiences praised her work. She was invited to speak at international panels, festivals, and universities. Her film was screened in Europe, Asia, and North America. It opened doors for future projects and collaborations.
Marital Status and Hobbies
Anuparna is unmarried and currently focused on her career. She has said in interviews that she values her independence and wants to build her work before thinking about marriage. She believes that relationships should be based on respect and shared dreams.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling and reading. She often visits quiet places in nature, where she finds peace and inspiration. Her love for books continues, and she reads both fiction and non-fiction. She also writes poetry and short stories, though she hasn’t published them yet.
Net Worth & Financial Growth
As of 2025, Roy’s estimated net worth is around ₹3 crore. This figure includes earnings from her film projects, speaking engagements, and possible brand collaborations. While she doesn’t flaunt her wealth, her financial journey is impressive—especially considering where she started.
Her first jobs in Delhi and Mumbai paid modest salaries. She lived in shared apartments and saved every rupee. She invested in acting workshops, film equipment, and writing time. Her debut film was made on a tight budget, with help from friends and small grants. But its success changed everything.
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