Raakesh (Born. Rakesh Rawat) is an award-winning Indian filmmaker, director, producer, writer, editor, and cinematographer whose work is driven by a deep interest in human stories and socially resonant narratives.
His debut feature, Midnight Delhi, premiered at the Singapore South Asian International Film Festival, where it won the Best Editor award, and went on to screen at prestigious international festivals, including the New York Indian Film Festival. Most recently, his short film Almari Ka Achaar won the German Star of India for Best Short Film at the 2025 Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart.
Born in Haryana, raised in Delhi, and shaped by his creative journey through Chennai and Mumbai, Raakesh brings diverse cultural experiences into his storytelling. Founder of Thoughtful Clown Studios, he has worked across feature films, short films, web series, music videos, and documentaries in multiple languages. His work seeks to explore overlooked lives, provoke reflection, and find humanity within stories that are often left unheard.
For Updates
🎬 “Almari Ka Achaar' 2nd runner-up Queer Qorner at the Bengaluru International Short film festival on Aug 25.
🎬 “Almari Ka Achaar' received the German Star of India award in the short film category at the 22nd Indian Film Festival Stuttgart on July 25.
🎬 “Almari Ka Achaar' sets world premiere at 22nd Indian Film Festival Stuttgart on July 25. The film will be screened in the ‘Queer Special Program’ section. The film has also received the nomination for the Best Short Film category at the festival. Cinematographer – Raakesh Rawat.
🎬 “Hari Ka Om” to Make Its European Premiere at UK Asian Film Festival. Proud to have shot this as the film’s Cinematographer – Raakesh Rawat. Excited for it to connect with new audiences. More soon.
Awards & International Honours
German Star of India 2026
Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart (Short format)
2026
Best Short Film (LGBTQ) - Almari ka Achaar
Kolkata International Short Film Festival
2026
Audience Choice Award - Almari ka Achaar
Pimpri Chinchwad International Film Festival
2025
2nd runner up Best Short Film - Almari Ka Achaar
Bengaluru International Short Film Festival
2025
Winner Best Short Film - Almari Ka Achaar
Indisches Film Festival Stuttgart 2025
Singapore South Asian International Film Festival
New York Indian Film Festival
Indian Film Festival Stuttgart
South Asian International Film Festival
Atlanta Indian Film Festival
South Asian International Film Festival Florida
South Asian Film Festival of Montreal
India International Film Festival of Boston
DC South Asian Film Festival
Indian Film Festival of New Zealand
Manchester Indian Film Festival
2020
Best Debut Director - Midnight Delhi
Golden Jury Film Festival
Birmingham Indian Film Festival
London Indian Film Festival
2020
Best Debut Director - Midnight Delhi
Rajasthan International Film Festival
Rainbow Visions Film Festival
KASHISH Pride Film Festival
2020
Best Editor - Midnight Delhi
Singapore South Asian International Film Festival
Mumbai International Film Festival