Young Rian Mukherjee Wins Best Child Actor in Los Angeles for Hindi Film Manzil

Mumbai (Desk) : A young talent from India has earned a place on the global stage. Rian Mukherjee has been named Best Child Actor at the Los Angeles Film Awards (LAFA) 2026 for his very first film, the Hindi-language drama Manzil.

The film is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee, who is also Rian’s father. Rituparna Sengupta, Sanjay Suri and Abhishek Kumar play the lead roles. Manzil is produced by Rajesh Singh and Sharmistha Mukherjee under the banners of Dhanbad Talkies and Endeavour Films. It tells the story of a writer and a photographer whose paths cross by chance at a resort. Rian plays Aron, the son of writer Ananya, portrayed by Rituparna, and his presence becomes central to the story.

Jury member and veteran actor Jean Vincentelli praised the young performer, calling him a promising actor from India. According to him, Rian stood out among international child actors for his natural screen presence and restrained voice modulation.

Ram Kamal Mukherjee said he was delighted that the jury recognised his son’s work. He described Rian as gifted, pointing out that the boy had no formal training yet faced the camera confidently and knew his lines by heart.

Rituparna Sengupta, who also serves as creative producer, said she had watched Rian grow up and recalled seeing him soon after his birth. She described the Mukherjee family as her own, and said she was certain he would leave an impact when the director chose him to play her son.

Rian was the only Indian winner at LAFA 2026. Jingnu Ning’s A Palmful of Stars took Best Picture, while Phil Aman won Best Actor for Soundcheck. Nazakati Maihemuti was named Best Actress for A Palmful of Stars.

Manzil is currently travelling through film festivals around the world. Its first look was unveiled at an award ceremony in Mumbai, where several prominent actors had already applauded Rian’s screen presence.

Describing himself as an “accidental actor”, Rian said he enjoys acting because it lets him watch his Baba at work, and called his father extremely sincere about his craft.