Actor Shishir Sharma’s performance in ‘Kuch Sapney Apne’ earned him the Best Actor award at the 14th Annual DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF), held from September 5-7, 2025, in Maryland, Washington D.C. Festival organizers described the win as a “continued affirmation” of Sharma’s ability to evoke emotions that resonate with both audiences and jury members.

In Kuch Sapney Apne, Sharma plays a stern patriarch who gradually softens his approach toward his gay son and his wife, who advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. The portrayal has struck a chord internationally, earning Sharma widespread acclaim.

According to DCSAFF, this marks Sharma’s second Best Actor accolade for the film, following his win at the New Bedford International Film Festival, where the film also received the Best Screenplay award for writers-directors Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta.

“’Kuch Sapne Apne’ has been a journey that has been an emotion, difficult to be expressed in words. Having worked with Sridhar and Saagar during my TV days as also with Mona Ambegaonkar, the bond that we shared then was revived with this film, when I played the character of Damodar,” Sharma said.

Sharma expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting the film’s screening at DCSAFF was warmly received. “This is a wonderful recognition of our efforts as artists. Thanks to the organizers and jury members for this award, and to Sridhar and Saagar and the entire cast for the magnificent support throughout the making of this gem of a film,” he added.

Rangayan, who attended the festival with Sharma and participated in a Masterclass titled ‘Script to Screen,’ praised the audience’s response. “We are overwhelmed by the awesome audience response to the film, with so many men, women and trans folks coming up and saying beautiful things about the film after the screening. What more does a filmmaker need? But lead actor Shishir Sharma winning the Best Actor award was icing on the cake. This award at a mainstream festival is a testament that good films always shine, whatever the genre may be. We sincerely hope the film gets a mainstream release, so more people can watch the film,” he said.

Manoj Singh, festival director of DCSAFF, highlighted the film’s impact. “The 14th Annual DC South Asian Film Festival is proud to announce that the Best Actor Male Award was presented to the acclaimed thespian Shishir Sharma for his powerful performance in Kuch Sapney Apne, an LGBTQ-themed film directed by Sridhar Rangayan & Saagar Gupta. The film was well received by audiences for its bold portrayal of social issues within a patriarchal and conservative society.” 

The festival also screened two short films featuring Sharma, Qafas and Chashma, which, Singh noted, further showcased his versatility.

Filmmaker Prerna Saraff Chauhan described the film as “technically brilliant” with a sensitive depiction of love, relationships, and family dynamics. “For me, the two stars of the film, however, are the strong screenplay by Saagar Gupta and the powerhouse that Shishir is in a completely different role and knocking it out of the park!!” she said.

Audience reactions were equally enthusiastic. “I loved Kuch Sapney Apne! Tackled so many critical issues with great subtlety while keeping it entertaining. Hats off to the director, the actors, and the whole team,” shared one viewer.

Kuch Sapney Apne has won 12 international awards and screened at 24 film festivals worldwide. The romantic drama explores the relationship between Kartik and Aman, whose bond is tested by a fling, while Kartik’s parents, Damodar and Vasudha, navigate their own marital challenges. The film sensitively examines love and relationships, regardless of sexual orientation.

Written and directed by Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar Gupta, the film stars Shishir Sharma, Mona Ambegaonkar, Satvik Bhatia, and Arpit Chaudhary, alongside Abhay Kulkarni, Veenah Naair, Yamini Singh, Yateen Karyekar, and Teodor Wickhenberg. The soundtrack features three songs sung by Rekha, Vishal Bhardwaj, Shaan, Shashwat Singh, and Sushant Divgikar, with one composition by Vishal Bhardwaj and lyrics by Saagar Gupta.

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