Varsha Panikar is a Mumbai-based filmmaker, poet, writer and interdisciplinary artist. They are also the co-founder, Artistic Director, and Creative Producer at Star Hopper, a trans-led film production company working at the intersection of film and culture to create narratives that are brown, queer and women led.

Their creative journey finds its roots in challenging the status quo, culminating in narratives that aim to transform and spark conversations around marginalised and underrepresented South Asian stories. Blending mediums and formats, Varsha questions the dynamics of representation, asking critical questions about narrative authorship and the inclusion of diverse voices. Their practice seeks to catalyse transformative change and healing, both individually and collectively, through artistic resistance. With over a decade of experience in Mumbai's advertising sector, Varsha leverages this extensive background to craft narratives that challenge and redefine dominant socio-political discourses. 

Varsha's film works have reached global stages, with appearances at over 60 prestigious film festivals like BFI Flare, Fringe! Queer Fest UK, Outfest LA, and Berlin Commercials. Their works have found home on platforms including Nowness Asia, Nowness, Disney+ Star, Otherness Archive, MTV, GiF, and Directors Notes. Their film "Bodies Of Desire" gained prominence through #FiveFilmsForFreedom 2021 by BFI Flare and the British Council, securing accolades such as the Best International Short Special Jury Award at RIO Festival De Cinema LGBTQIA+ 2021, and 24fps International Short Film Festival. Their recent films for Disney+Star's Words Of Pride initiative bagged a Silver and Bronze at the Spikes Asia Awards, but also stood out with a Spike Glass nomination, marking them as the sole contender from India in this category. The campaign also won a Grand Prix, 3 Golds and a Bronze at The Drum Awards 2024; the prestigious Purple Elephant (Zee Equality Award) at 2024 Kyoorius Creative Awards, and a Merit at 2024 One Show. 

A recipient of the Chain Unchained: Mintathon Grant (2023) by Goethe Institute, in collaboration with Be Fantastic, to empower their project "Ara Chronicles" a children's queer graphic novel series that blends ancient Indian folklore, fantasy, and magic realism to develop into NFT collectibles. The project was exhibited at the Kala Ghoda Festivals, 2024. Also a BeFantastic C³ Fellow (2021), supported by Goethe-Institu Mumbai and Zentrum für Kunst und Medien ZKM, Karlsruhe, Varsha continues to explore the intersection of technology and storytelling.

Varsha's artistic practice encompasses poetry, zines, photography, and performance, and their works have been featured in esteemed magazines and exhibitions internationally. Their anthology "At The End Of The Line" was recently exhibited at Opn Art House, Max Müller Bhavan, New Delhi. Their mixed media series "Origami Folds" was also exhibited at "Do You See Us" at 47A Design Gallery. Their photo-poetry zine 'My Body Is A Prison,' part of the Origami Folds series, was curated by Zine Club Chicago, State University Of New York's Sojourner Truth Library, Queer Zine Library, and Grrrl Zine. Their work has also been featured in publications like The Lipstick Politico, Munich Zine, Brown Girl Magazine, Nerve Zine, Forbidden Verses, The Rights Collective, SASS, One Future Collective, The Local Color Zine, and Pinjratod. Their photo-poetry zine ‘Whispers To My Shadows’ and selections from their mixed-media anthology ‘Bodies Of Desire’ were exhibited at the ‘Queer Futures Archives’ at Parramatta Riverside Theater, Sydney.

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Varsha's work is driven by a commitment to highlighting social truths, challenging oppressive constructs, and fostering cross-cultural dialogues. Their projects are not just creative endeavors but tools for societal transformation, celebrating resilience, solidarity, and the diverse experiences of undeserved communities.

Additionally, Varsha curates moving-image sessions and co-runs the Underground Film Observatory (UFO) within Star Hopper, elevating works of under-represented South Asian artists. In their downtime, Varsha does voice-overs, performs spoken-word, experiments with analog image-making, and enjoys all things horror. Varsha is currently gearing up for their first feature-length film.

For collaborations and inquiries, you can contact them on varshapanikar@gmail.com or starhopper.in@gmail.com

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