On Monday, Academy Award-winning music composer AR Rahman was named as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts '(BAFTA)" Breakthrough Initiative" ambassador. Supported by Netflix, the project aims to recognise, celebrate and fund up to five talents in India working in film, games or television. AR Rahman said he is delighted to be partnering with BAFTA to explore the talent the nation has to offer. "This is a unique opportunity for promising artists to be supported by a world-renowned organisation, to not only make connections with other talented creatives across the world but to be mentored by BAFTA-winners and nominees. I am looking forward to seeing the brilliant talent chosen from India to be showcased on a global stage," said the 53-year-old composer in a statement. 

The flagship new talent programme, applications for which are now available, is part of the year-round work of BAFTA to encourage fresh talent, working globally alongside their awards ceremonies. BAFTA Breakthrough India will help promote the growth of ties between British talent and the homegrown creatives of India, according to a press release. BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry OBE said Rahman shared the enthusiasm of the team to find and develop new talent and they were thankful for his support. "He is well positioned to support the initiative, with his broad spectrum of work drawing recognition across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films, which will help BAFTA to appeal to a wide section of the industry," Berry added. 

A jury of British and Indian industry experts will pick five talents from across India as part of BAFTA Breakthrough India to participate in the year-long mentoring and guidance programme. Participants will receive one-to-one mentoring, worldwide networking opportunities, free admission for 12 months to BAFTA events and screenings, and full BAFTA membership voting.