Sikkim's Tribeny Rai Named in India Today's 50 Under 50
Tribeny Rai from Sikkim has carved her name into national prominence, earning a coveted spot in India Today's 50 Under 50. Unveiled in the magazine's special 50th-anniversary edition, the prestigious list celebrates 50 trailblazing Indian women who are reshaping contemporary culture, science, sports, and arts.
A Triumph from the Margins
Described by the publication as "a voice from the margins," Rai took a monumental and unconventional risk to pursue independent filmmaking. In a region where secure government jobs remain the heavily favoured societal aspiration, Rai chose an uncertain path without an established local film industry or financial backing. She invested every rupee she earned — alongside a portion of her mother's savings — into her debut Nepali-language feature film, Shape of Momo.
In his Editor-in-Chief's note, Aroon Purie highlighted that the selection deliberately looks beyond inherited privilege, honouring women who chart their own courses through individual effort, ingenuity, and a refusal to accept the status quo.
Reflecting on her inclusion, Rai shared her profound admiration for her fellow honorees:
"I am very happy to be in the company of women whom I have long admired, women who have broken barriers, challenged the status quo, and continue to be the real changemakers in our society."
From SRFTI to a Historic Theatrical Release
An alumna of the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Rai burst onto the global cinema landscape with Shape of Momo. The critically acclaimed film follows a woman's return to her patriarchal village, serving as an incisive thesis on gender, family, and belonging in the Eastern Himalayas.
Beyond festival circuits globally, the movie made history by securing a theatrical release across India and Nepal, bringing an authentic, distinct Himalayan voice to mainstream audiences.
In the Company of Changemakers
Rai stands alongside an inspiring roster of regional leaders and national icons, including Olympic medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (Manipur), filmmaker Rima Das (Assam), conservationist Purnima Devi Barman (Assam), and conservation scientist Dr. Barkha Subba (Darjeeling). Together, these women represent role models for India's massive population of women under 50, proving that perseverance can rewrite conventions.
What's Next: A Chronicle of Minor Things
Building on the international success of her debut, Rai is already deep into her next creative endeavour. Her upcoming second project, provisionally titled A Chronicle of Minor Things, has already been selected for the prestigious Asian Project Market (APM), signalling an exciting new chapter for independent Himalayan cinema.