```html Lilly Singh Backs Oscar-Contending Short Film 'Holy Curse' as Executive Producer Global entertainer Lilly Singh has joined Snigdha Kapoor's short film "Holy Curse" as an executive producer, lending her support to the drama exploring gender identity and cultural conformity. The film's recent triumph at the 19th Tasveer Film Festival and Market has qualified it for Oscar consideration at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026.

Championing Marginalized Voices "I'm incredibly proud to join 'Holy Curse' and stand behind a film that speaks with such courage, tenderness, and truth," Singh stated. "Stories like this don't just challenge norms, they create space for people to see themselves with dignity. It's an honor to help champion its journey."

A Story of Identity and Tradition "Holy Curse" centers on Radha, an 11-year-old child navigating questions of gender during a family trip to India. The film explores the conflict between personal identity and familial expectations as Radha faces resistance from relatives who believe traditional ceremonies can break a generational curse. The narrative balances comedic and dramatic elements to examine these complex themes.

Singh's Expanding Role as Producer Singh's involvement underscores her growing commitment to producing projects that amplify marginalized voices through her Unicorn Island Productions and associated fund. Her debut feature, "Doin' It," premiered at SXSW 2024, earning her recognition at Variety's Power of Comedy event. Singh, who previously broke ground as the first woman of color to host a late-night program on a major broadcast network, also serves as a UN SDG Advocate and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition The film stars Mrunal Kashid as Radha, alongside Adithi Kalkunthe, Anup Soni, Prayrak Mehta, and Shardul Bhardwaj. "Holy Curse" has garnered numerous accolades, including jury prizes from Reeling in Chicago and the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, as well as the top LGBTQ+ honor at Flickerfest. It has also been showcased at prestigious events such as London's BFI, Palm Springs ShortFest, and the Mumbai Film Festival.

Behind-the-Scenes Talent Kapoor's production team includes Neeraj Churi of Lotus Visual Productions, known for backing Sundance winner "Cactus Pears" and SXSW favorite "A Place of Our Own." Noopur Sinha, known for National Geographic's "Gordon Ramsey: Uncharted," and Shweta Bolakani, who has worked with leading Indian production houses like Dharma and Excel Entertainment, also serve as producers. Ashish Sawhny is a creative consultant, with Dheeraj Agnihotri handling publicity. The technical team includes Emmy-nominated cinematographer Juhi Sharma, National Award-winning editor Anadi Athaley, colorist Mahak Gupta, composer Alex Symcox, and casting by Kabiku Productions.

Kapoor's Previous Work Kapoor's previous film, "Look Like You," was an audience favorite at the Asian American International Film Festival and is currently available on BFI Player.

The Significance of Representation Dr. Maya Sharma, a professor of film studies at the University of Southern California specializing in South Asian cinema, emphasizes the importance of Singh's involvement. "Lilly Singh's backing provides not only financial support but also crucial visibility for 'Holy Curse'," Sharma notes. "Her platform can reach audiences that might otherwise miss this important film, furthering the conversation around gender identity and cultural acceptance within the South Asian diaspora and beyond."

The Evolving Landscape of Short Films Industry analyst David Chen, from Chen Media Consulting, observes the growing significance of short films in the entertainment landscape. "Short films are increasingly becoming a proving ground for emerging filmmakers and a powerful medium for exploring complex social issues," Chen explains. "The Oscar qualification of 'Holy Curse' is a testament to the quality and impact of short-form storytelling, and Singh's support further validates its potential."

Holy Curse Lilly Singh Snigdha Kapoor Oscar Awards Short Film Gender Identity

```