Mumbai, 13 October (UTN). In a proud moment for Indian cinema, budding child artist Riyan Mukherjee has won the 'Best Child Actor' award at the prestigious Los Angeles Film Awards (LAFA) 2026 for his Hindi film *Manzil*. With this achievement, Riyan has made a significant mark on the international film stage. Securing such an honor at such a young age, driven by his natural acting ability and effortless screen presence, is considered a major milestone for him.
The film *Manzil* is directed by Riyan’s father, the National Award-winning filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee. It features actors such as Rituparna Sengupta, Sanjay Suri, and Abhishek Kumar in pivotal roles. Produced under the banners of Dhanbad Talkies and Endeavour Films, the movie has garnered attention from audiences and film festivals alike, thanks to its compelling story, sensitive subject matter, and powerful performances.
**Riyan’s Character: A Crucial Link in the Story of *Manzil***
*Manzil* tells the story of a writer and a photographer who meet by chance at a resort. This encounter unfolds to reveal various facets of relationships, emotions, and life itself. Human emotions are given a central place in the film's narrative.
Riyan Mukherjee plays the role of Aaron, the son of Ananya—a writer portrayed by Rituparna Sengupta. Aaron’s character emerges as a vital emotional link within the story. Riyan brought a natural ease to the role and captivated the audience with his screen presence.
His natural acting style is being hailed as Riyan's greatest strength as a child artist. Being at ease in front of the camera, delivering dialogues with confidence, and grasping the emotional nuances of a scene can be challenging for any new actor. Riyan demonstrated his aptitude in these areas, culminating in this international honor. Father Ram Kamal Mukherjee says—It is a matter of joy that Riyan's acting has been recognized.
Riyan's father and the film's director, Ram Kamal Mukherjee, are overjoyed by this success. He expressed that it is a source of pride and happiness for him that the jury members recognized and appreciated Riyan's acting.
According to Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Riyan had not undergone any formal acting training. Despite this, he faced the camera with ease, memorized his lines, and delivered them confidently. Such an experience is significant for a new artist, especially when working alongside seasoned professionals.
He noted that Riyan performed in a natural style. His acting was characterized by ease rather than artificiality, which helped make his character impactful.
Working under his father's direction was also a unique experience for Riyan. On the film set, he not only had the opportunity to act but also the chance to observe his father at work in a professional setting and gain insight into the filmmaking process.
Rituparna Sengupta Expresses Joy: "I Was Confident Riyan Would Make His Mark"
Actress Rituparna Sengupta, who plays the role of Riyan’s mother, Ananya, in the film, is also thrilled by this achievement. She also serves as the film's creative producer. Reflecting on her long-standing association with Riyan, she mentioned that she has watched him grow up and has known him since childhood.
According to Rituparna, Ram Kamal Mukherjee and Sarbani are like family to her. When Ram Kamal cast Riyan as her son in the film, she was confident that he would succeed in carving out a distinct identity for himself.
That confidence has now been vindicated by this international award. Riyan’s achievement holds emotional significance for his family and the film's cast and crew, as the honor has been bestowed upon a young artist who has captured the attention of both the audience and the jury early in his acting journey.
Jury Praises Riyan’s Natural Talent
Veteran actor Jean Vincentelli, a member of the Los Angeles Film Awards jury, also praised Riyan’s performance. He described Riyan as a promising child artist from India. Competing against child artists from around the world on an international stage, Riyan secured the award through his natural screen presence and a poised, restrained performance.
Making a mark among artists from various nations at an international film festival is a significant achievement in itself. Riyan’s success demonstrates that a compelling performance relies not merely on experience, but on the ability to understand the character, convey emotions, and remain at ease before the camera.
The acclaim for Riyan’s acting also underscores the fact that when new artists are given opportunities, they can establish themselves on international platforms through the sheer strength of their talent.
First Look of the Film Unveiled in Mumbai
The first look of the film 'Manzil' was specially unveiled at an awards ceremony held in Mumbai. Several prominent artists present on the occasion praised Riyan’s screen presence and acting ability. The response to the film's first look also contributed to building anticipation around it.
The film is currently being screened at festivals worldwide. In this context, the honor bestowed upon Riyan is significant for the film's promotion and international recognition. Film festivals offer a platform to introduce independent or niche-themed films to new audiences. For *Manzil*, this platform is serving as a medium to take the story and the cast's performances to a wider audience.
**Riyan Stands Out Among Indian Winners at LAFA 2026**
According to the information provided, Riyan Mukherjee is the only Indian artist to win an award at LAFA 2026. Other winners at the ceremony included Jingnu Ning, who won the Best Film award for *A Palmful of Stars*. Phil Aman was named Best Actor for *Soundcheck*, while Nazakati Maihemuti received the Best Actress honor for *A Palmful of Stars*.
Riyan’s inclusion among these international winners marks a significant milestone in his budding career. As a child artist, this award could help open doors to better roles and new projects. However, for any artist, it is crucial to build upon this success through sustained hard work, continuous learning, and the selection of quality roles.
**"I Became an Actor by Chance" — Riyan Mukherjee**
Speaking candidly about his success and acting experience, Riyan Mukherjee said, "I became an actor by chance. I love acting because it is the only time I get to see my *Baba* (father) at work. He is incredibly dedicated to his craft."
This statement by Riyan highlights the family connection underlying his journey into acting. While many artists choose acting as a career, for Riyan, it initially served as an opportunity to observe and understand his father's work up close. Gradually, this experience became the gateway for him to step into the world of acting.
His words illustrate just how inspiring it can be for a child to witness the filmmaking process firsthand. However, having won international awards, Riyan is no longer defined merely as a filmmaker's son; he has garnered attention and acclaim for his own acting prowess.
An Achievement That Can Inspire Child Actors
Riyan Mukherjee’s success serves as an inspiration for children aspiring to build a future in acting, cinema, and creative fields. His achievement conveys the message that with the right opportunities, guidance, and encouragement, remarkable milestones can be reached even at a young age.
However, for child actors, maintaining a balance between education, personal growth, and acting is equally important. Success in the film industry is not defined solely by awards; rather, an artist’s growth stems from continuous learning, hard work, and an understanding of diverse roles.
Opportunities may now open up for Riyan to further hone his acting skills and experiment with new stories and characters. The recognition gained through ‘Manzil’ could prove to be a significant beginning to his cinematic journey.
A Moment of Pride for the ‘Manzil’ Team
Produced by Rajesh Singh and Sharmistha Mukherjee, ‘Manzil’ stands out for featuring a new child actor in a pivotal role alongside seasoned performers. The film brings together a creative team comprising director Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Rituparna Sengupta—who contributes through her acting and creative production involvement—and other talented artists.
Riyan winning the Best Child Actor award is a morale booster for the entire team. It is likely to heighten audience curiosity about the film. Recognition at international film festivals plays a crucial role in introducing a film to new markets, audiences, and critics.
Overall, Riyan Mukherjee winning the Best Child Actor award at LAFA 2026 marks a remarkable milestone in his acting journey. Through the film ‘Manzil’, he has demonstrated his innate talent. Audiences will now be keen to see how this young artist further establishes his identity through future stories and characters.
Mumbai-Reporter,( Hitesh Jain ).
