Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are on cloud nine as their production Girls Will Be Girls clinched the prestigious John Cassavetes Award at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards—marking a first for India! Directed by Shuchi Talati, this women-centric coming-of-age film has been creating waves globally since its Sundance triumph.
Ali took to Instagram to celebrate, gushing over the film’s journey and giving wife Richa a special shoutout: “I know how hard it was for you to leave our baby girl and travel—just want to say how proud I am.” (Bonus points for slipping in a cheeky “L’Oréal” reference!)
Girls Will Be Girls premiered on Prime Video India last December and has since been lauded for its fresh narrative and powerful storytelling. Competing in a category honoring films made under $1 million, this win cements India’s growing footprint in global indie cinema.
With co-producers like Richa and Ali leading the charge, it’s safe to say—the girls didn’t just show up, they conquered!
