Achala’s passion for television and cinema has driven her career since her early years. She began in India with production houses like Balaji Telefilms, Aruna Irani Productions and became an executive producer at ZEE TV. After moving to Australia in 2006, she expanded her skills into radio production and film distribution. With over 15 years of experience, Achala has worked on major Bollywood films like Kurbaan and Bachna Ae Haseeno and has developed distribution strategies for Australian films such as Backyard Ashes and Babadook. Currently, she leads Zee Studios’ film distribution operations in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, and promotes regional language films focusing on Marathi. Achala Datar has been appointed to the National Board of the Australia India Film Council, which is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the growing ties between the Indian and Australian film industries. In addition to her professional work, Achala mentors media students through the Inner Northern Local Learning and Employ