Who Is Alexandre Singh? Oscar Winner Born In France To An Indian Immigrant From Punjab

Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata's film Two People Exchanging Saliva took home an Oscar in the Live-Action Short Film category. There was a tie during the Oscars ceremony this year, which was an uncommon occurrence. It shared the Best Live-Action Short Film award with The Singers shared, making it only the seventh tie in Academy Award history.

Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata are the writters and directors of the 2024 French-language short drama film Two People Exchanging Saliva (Deux personnes échangeant de la salive in French). The co-produced movie from the United States and France made its Telluride Film Festival debut in August 2024 at the 51st Telluride Film Festival.

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Who Is Alexandre Singh?

Alexandre revealed at an event that his father moved to the UK in the 1960s from Punjab, India. He had a son named Alexandre after marrying a French woman. In 1980, he was born in Bordeaux, France. The director attended the University of Oxford to study fine arts.

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Alexandre Singh's Indian Roots

Alexandre disclosed that his father, who wore a turban and a beard, traveled to the United Kingdom from Punjab. As quoted by Hindustan Times, he said,"Can you imagine what the reception was like back then in the 1960s? It was very difficult for him. Over that time, he got a BA, MSc, PhD. He worked his way up. He lost the beard and the turban."

Talking about his father he continued, "He loved the Beatles. He loved France, French wine, a certain French woman which is why I'm here. Through that time, he had the immigrant experience. He was so proud to be an Indian. I lost my father when I was 21, and it pains me that in some ways I lost my connection to my heritage, that true connection."

He also recalled the most challenging moment when he was accepted into the University of Oxford's fine arts. "It was such a wonderful thing, but for my father, as an Indian immigrant, it was an abomination that I would study arts."

Alexandre Singh emphasized the transformational potential of art and creativity during his acceptance speech, claiming that movies have the ability to change society over time. Plan Large (2016) and The Appointment (2019) are two of his previous works. After making its debut at prestigious events like the Telluride Film Festival, the Oscar-winning movie also became well-known on the festival circuit, enhancing Singh's reputation as a budding international director.