Created by Priyupranav
Last edited August 1, 2025
Ajit Rai
Born(1967-10-01)1 October 1967
Buxar, Bihar, India
Died23 July 2025(2025-07-23) (aged 57)
OccupationIndian film and theatre critic, cultural journalist

Ajit Rai (1 October 1967 – 23 July 2025) was an Indian film and theatre critic and cultural journalist.[1][2][3] He was associated with Jansatta and The Indian Express.[2]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Rai was born in Kasian village in Buxar district of Bihar, on 1 October 1967.[4][5]

Work[edit | edit source]

Rai served as the editor of Rang Prasang, journal of National School of Drama, Ministry of Culture Government of India, New Delhi.[2][4] Over the years he covered various International Film Festivals, including Cannes International Film Festival, El Gouna Film Festival, and Cairo International Film Festival.[6][7]

He was the director of Raipur Film Festival, Azamgarh Film Festival and Haryana International Film Festival.[8][9][10][11] Rai was also the member of International Farmer Film Festival and festival coordinator of the Media International Film Festival,[5][1] and a member of the selection committee for the Meta Awards.[12][13]

Death[edit | edit source]

Rai died on 23 July 2025, at the age of 57.[14]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "A Hundred Miles to Go". The Indian Express. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Ajit Rai to share his opinion on World Cinema today". The Pioneer. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  3. ↑ "Here is a lowdown on which film sold for how much on OTT". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Noted film critic Ajit Rai will be gracing the Egyptian Film Festival". Dispatch news. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Indian film festival makes a tribute to farmers". Deutsche Welle. 7 May 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  6. ↑ "अरब सिनेमा का पसंदीदा विषय बनता जा रहा है शरणार्थी समस्या, राजनीतिक अस्थिरता और स्त्री सशक्तिकरण". Amar Ujala (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  7. ↑ "Cairo International Film Festival unveils dates for it's [sic] 43rd edition". Dispatch news. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  8. ↑ Jaiswal, Anuja (14 December 2015). "Chhattisgarh to host international film festival in April". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  9. ↑ "Now Showing:Jafar Panahi in Jatland". The Indian Express. 6 October 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  10. ↑ "RIFF director Rai says state films need better content | Raipur News – Times of India". The Times of India. 8 April 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  11. ↑ "Azamgarh International Film Festival". azamgarhinternationalfilmfestival.com. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  12. ↑ "10 META nominated plays to be staged in Delhi". IANS Life. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  13. ↑ "Selection Committee – Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards". Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  14. ↑ "Buxar Film Critic Passes Away". MSN News. 25 July 2025. Retrieved 26 July 2025.