Director
List activity
443 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
42 people
- Writer
- Director
- Actor
Umesh Shukla was born in India. He is known for OMG: Oh My God! (2012), Dhoondte Reh Jaoge (2009) and All Is Well (2015).- Director
- Writer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Neeraj is among India's leading contemporary filmmakers and is a National Award-winning director of the critically acclaimed Indo-French drama Masaan. The film received widespread acclaim from critics, mainstream media, and audiences alike, currently ranks among the top 250 films of all time from India. It won the FIPRESCI prize and the Promising Future prize (Prix avenir prometteur) in the Un Certain Regard section at the 68th Cannes Film Festival. Aside from feature films, Neeraj co-directed the second season of Netflix's acclaimed flagship crime drama series Sacred Games. In addition to his film and television work, Neeraj is a highly sought-after commercial director. He directed the widely popular Fuelled By Love commercial for British Airways and the Touch of Care commercial for Vicks, which starred real-life transgender activist Gauri Sawant. The commercial won the Bronze Lion at Cannes in 2017. He directed Geeli Pucchi, the most critically-acclaimed segment of the Netflix anthology film Ajeeb Daastaans from Dharmatic. Neeraj's films have earned four Filmfare awards so far. He has wrapped shooting Season 2 of Amazon's critically-acclaimed drama Made in Heaven, and is currently developing his next feature film with a leading Indian production company, scheduled to go into production next year.- Director
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Writer
- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Abhishek, a renowned Indian filmmaker who co-wrote and directed the critically acclaimed dacoit action film, Sonchiriya, an RSVP production. He began his career as an associate director and co-writer to Vishal Bhardwaj for his debut Makdee (2002) & went on to assist him in his subsequent films, and most notably co-wrote Vishal's trendsetting Omkara (2006) and Kaminey (2009). Abhishek's directorial debut, the dark comedy Ishqiya (2010) and its sequel Dedh Ishqiya (2014), both starring Naseeruddin Shah received rave reviews. His following film, Udta Punjab (2016), highlighted the heroin epidemic in Punjab and was released to critical acclaim. He made his debut as a producer with Konkona Sen Sharma's A Death in the Gunj (2016), which premiered at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.- Writer
- Producer
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Abhishek Pathak started his career at the age of 17. He worked in production and direction for over 3 years before he went to USA for a full fledged film making course from New York Film Academy to effectively execute his passion. He has a clear vision of producing films which are unconventional yet commercially viable . Abhishek has proved his unique vision with his short fiction film "Boond" that was flooded with several awards including the prestigious 57th National Film Award. His Debut production was "Pyaar Ka Punchnama" which is a renown cult and sets fresh approach to filmmaking . His latest production "Alone" being first non franchise horror film has already set high standards horror genre at the box office. Abhishek Pathak continues with the same vigour and passion for cinema presently producing his next projects Pyaar ka Punchnama 2 and Drishyam staring Ajay Devgan which is a remake of a blockbuster Malayalam film.- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Neeraj Pandey (born 17 December 1973) is an acclaimed Indian film director, producer and screenwriter. In his first movie A Wednesday, his work was largely praised by audiences as well as the critics. A Wednesday also won many awards in different categories. His second film Special 26 (2013) was equally appreciated by the public and the critics. Not just a filmmaker but a writer too, Neeraj has written a novel named 'Ghalib Danger' in 2013. He also directed the movie Baby (2015) starring Akshay Kumar which received critical acclaim from the audience and was a huge success.The movie Rustom which was produced by Neeraj, was released on 12 August 2016 and received mixed reviews by critics but was a runaway commercial success. His last movie was a biopic on cricketer M.S.Dhoni titled M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story which was loved by the audience.. He aims at making more commercial content in the sports genre. Neeraj has carved a niche for himself in the film industry with his adept handling of different topics and is one of the most sought after Directors of his generation.
In 2016, his Production House Friday Filmworks and Reliance Entertainment entered into a joint venture and formed Plan C Studios.
He has also directed a Web Short 'Ouch' with Manoj Bajpayee and Pooja Chopra which is nominated for Filmfare Short Film Award 2017. As the co-producer, his recent blockbuster Toilet- Ek Prem Katha is getting critical appreciation from the film industry and the audience. His upcoming movie is Aiyaary which is set to release on 2018 starring Sidharth Malhotra and Manoj Bajpayee- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Writer-Director of the successful Bollywood feature films Kai Po Che, Rock On!! and Kedarnath. He is the founder of production company Guy in the Sky Pictures (India). His latest movie Kedarnath released on 7th December 2018. Abhishek lives and works in Mumbai, India where he is preparing for his next two movies Sharaabi and an Untitled movie based on the Pulwama terror attack.- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Neeraj Pathak was born on 30 August 1971. He is a writer and director, known for Inspector Avinash (2023), Right Yaaa Wrong (2010) and Brother, Superhit! (2018).- Producer
- Editor
- Writer
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is among the most celebrated Film Makers of the Bollywood. Having worked with the biggest stars of Indian Film Industry, Bhansali is the most sought-for director of the Bollywood. He started his career as an assistant director to Vidhu Vinod Chopra. If one has to name his 'niche' genre, it would definitely be Mega-Musicals. From Devdas to Bajirao Mastani, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam to Saawariya, love of cinema and music, proclaims through every movie he writes or direct.
His 1999 Romantic-Drama, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, starring heartthrob duo Salman-Aishwarya became one of the most critically cherished movies of the Genre. Amitabh Bachan, starrer Black was equally appreciated by the critics. But he made his presence felt with 2002 adaptation of the Hindi literary masterpiece, Devdas, for a silver-screen experience. He received a nomination for Best Foreign Film at BAFTA for the movie.
Devdas has become a name synonymous with a passionate, intense love that does not find consummation. This similar theme has been repeated numerous time in the literary work. And one of them is Romeo & Juliet. He translated this classic tale into Indian Folk Idiom.- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Kabir Khan is presently one of the most sought after Bollywood directors. His beat of cinema is very different from the rest of his league. He comes from documentary style of film making. He is known for his brilliant cinematographic skills. He graduated from Delhi University's Kirori Mal College. He was first noticed for his cinematography in the reputed documentary "Beyond the Himalayas" which released in 1995. The documentary earned significant popularity, and went on to be telecast in Discovery channel too. This movie was directed by the veteran director Gautam Ghose. He made his directorial debut with another famous documentary film "The Forgotten Army" in the year 1999. This documentary was based on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's role in the Indian Freedom Struggle and his Azad Hind Fauj, also popularly known as the Indian National Army. In 2001, Kabir Khan came up with his brilliant work in films like "Taliban years and Beyond" and "The Titanic Sinks in Kabul".
His work and interest on the Taliban and Afghanistan was the cue why he made a film like "Kabul Express" for mainstream Bollywood cinema in the year 2006. The movie performed averagely but he was noticed for his obviously nascent cinematic style.
In 2009, he worked on the movie "New York" which dealt with a topic as sensitive as Islam and Terrorism. Set in the backdrop of 9/11, this movie goes on to talk about the other side of the 9/11 story when Americans retaliated to the attack rather ridiculously. The film fared decently at the box-office.
In 2012, he came up with the blockbuster hit of the year so far, "Ek Tha Tiger". The movie stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, and was scheduled for a Eid release which garnered in a great deal of its audience. The movie has been doing very well. The critics have signed off Kabir's previously journalistic style of directing. It seems to have withered away the Bollywood way under the Yash Raj Films Banner. Trade Analysts still confirm he has merely deviated from his style of work but not lost his previous charm at all.- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Anurag Basu, a Bollywood director and writer explores relationships and adversity on reel. He had his share of tough times when he was diagnosed with leukemia.
Basu directed television serials among which is Tara (1993), which became one of the first soap operas on Indian television. He also directed Balaji Telefilms' Koshish Ek Aasha (1997) and Miit (2002), which was based on Rabindranath Tagore's Noukadubi.
He made his debut in movies with Kucch Toh Hai (2003). It starred Tusshar Kapoor and Esha Deol. The movie wasn't anywhere near a major success. He made movies under the Vishesh Films banner. Saaya (2003) belonged to the supernatural genre about a doctor who communicates with his dead wife through his patients. It starred John Abraham and Tara Sharma.
Murder (2004) was based on Hollywood's hit Unfaithful. It starred Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat. The movie along with it's soundtrack became a big success. During the filming of his next movie Tumsa Nahin Dekhan (2004), Basu was diagnosed with blood cancer. The movie was later completed by Mohit Suri and Mahesh Bhatt.
In 2006, Anurag Basu came back to make Gangster with Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Shiney Ahuja. It was supposed to be based on Abu Salem's real life affair with actress Monica Bedi. The movie did well.
It was followed by the critically acclaimed Life in a Metro.
He wrote the screenplays for Gangster, Life in a Metro and Kites and won the Filmfare Best Screenplay Award for Life in a Metro.- Director
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Writer
Sabbir Khan is an Indian film director and screenwriter. His father was a lyricist in the late 60's and 70's, therefore, his formative years were marked by a strong influence from the Indian film industry. He made his directorial debut in the 2009 film Kambakkht Ishq, followed by Heropanti in 2014, Baaghi in 2016 and Munna Michael in 2017. All his movies were popular big-budget Bollywood films.- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Imtiaz Ali is an Indian film director, actor and writer. In 2005, he made his directorial debut with the film Socha Na Tha. However, it was his second film Jab We Met (2007) that brought him success and fame. His 2009 film Love Aaj Kal gained much critical success, and was declared a super hit at the box office. His movie Rockstar (2011) was also a commercial and critical success. Imtiaz Ali had his origins in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.He was brought up in Patna and Jamshedpur. He had his early education in Patna- D.B.M.S. English school, Jamshedpur,and later attended University of Delhi in Delhi, where he took part in college theater. He started Ibtida the dramatic society of Hindu College. Thereafter he moved to Mumbai and did a diploma course from Xavier Institute of Communication.- Director
- Actor
- Writer
Tigmanshu Dhulia was born on 3 July 1967 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is a director and actor, known for Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Paan Singh Tomar (2012) and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (2011).- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Sudhir Mishra was born on 22 January 1959 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is a director and writer, known for Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Calcutta Mail (2003) and Dharavi (1992).- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Vikas Bahl is an Indian film producer, screenwriter, and director, know for his works predominantly in Hindi Cinema. He produces films under Phantom Films, and was the former head of UTV Spot Boy. One of the most respected Media Executives India has seen, headed the Marketing for Radio Mirchi and made it as the top most recalled Radio brand in India. He has garnered two National Film Awards. At his stint as the Business Head of Sab TV, the channel rose from number 9 to one of the Top 3 channels, on the viewership count.- Director
- Producer
- Actor
Abbas Alibhai Burmawalla is an Indian filmmaker. He co-directs films with his brother Mastan Alibhai Burmawalla. Together they are known as the Abbas-Mustan duo, recognised for directing action, suspense, and thriller films.
Burmawalla started his career with Gujarati films. He and his brother Mastan Alibhai Burmawalla worked as assistant directors before getting their first break to direct a film.
Burmawalla's directorial debut in Hindi was Agneekaal (1990), which he co-directed with his brother. Since then, he has co-directed 14 Hindi films.
His repertoire of films includes superhit movies like Khiladi (1992), Baazigar (1993), Baadshah (1999), Ajnabee (2001), Aitraaz (2004), and Race (2008), among others.
Burmawalla is the recipient of the Life Membership of the International Film and Television Club, conferred by the Asian Academy of Film & Television.- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Cinema entered the ordinary life of a young, sports and soccer enthusiast Shoojit Sircar, studying in Delhi, India, quite by chance when during the XIIth grade a friend suggested accompanying him for the viewing of a film. Unbeknownst to Sircar, this film would mark for him the beginning of a whole new way of looking at life. The film was Satyajit Ray's 'Pather Panchali' ('Song of the Little Road'). Curious and much impacted by this 'art form', Shoojit went on to watch the entire 'Apu trilogy' including 'Aparijito' (The Unvanquished) and 'The World of Apu'; and all other films by Ray, besides films by film-makers Ritwik Ghatak and Mrinal Sen. There are three films however besides Ray's 'Pather Panchali' that Shoojit specifically credits for giving 'birth to the cinema within him'; and for encouraging him to look at everything in life, differently; these are - Truffaut's '400 Blows', Vittorio De Sica's 'Bicycle Thieves' and Oliver Stone's "Platoon". Another important turning point in his journey was when he joined 'ACT ONE', a theatre group in Delhi, led by director, Mr.N.K. Sharma. There Shoojit handled backstage, across all departments - giving him the experience of creating theatre with minimalist resources, along with being rooted in the rigor and discipline that comes with living the life of theatre. His first big break as independent director ironically was a commercial on football, which he followed with a music video, 'MANN KE MANJEERE'. While most music videos of the time catered to the 'pop' form of storytelling - this one explored a more realistic journey, that of a woman, played by Mita Vashisht; a single mother who breaks away from an abusive married life and chooses to become a 'truck driver', then quite the traditional bastion of the male. Composed by Shantanu Moitra, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi and sung by Shubha Mudgal, the video was viewed by over 20 million people at the time, its impact described as '"Mann ke Manjeeré has made a breakthrough by claiming public space for women's aspirations." Shoojit's first major directorial feature 'YAHAAN' (2005), on the turmoil faced by the Kashmiri people - won him the best director award in the Osian Film Festival 2005. He followed that with "VICKY DONOR" (2012), a film that dealt with the issue of infertility and brought the taboo topic of sperm donation onto a dining table conversation, 'Vicky Donor' went on to win three national awards including 'Best Entertainer of the year'. He followed that up with the hard - hitting political thriller 'MADRAS CAFE' (2013), throwing light on one of the most tumultuous periods in the sub-continent history - the Sri Lankan civil war. A year later, he brought us the much loved slice of life, 'PIKU' (2015) - a father-daughter comic drama, centered around an ageing, possessive father and his constant 'bowel problem'; aptly played out by Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone; winning over 18 awards from across the nation. And then came, 'PINK' (2016) - a film that gave voice to millions of Indian women; that proclaimed a 'No means No'; a film that proved to be not just a movie but a 'movement'; With 'OCTOBER' (2018), Shoojit Sircar shared a most poetic, soulful, personal take on love... And with the absurdist satire, 'GULABO SITABO' (2020), an unapologetic take on human greed! And most recently, the powerful and cinematically rich period biographical drama, 'SARDAR UDHAM' (2021), a film about India's pre independence movement with a compelling take on the 'revolutionary vs. terrorist' debate. With such a diverse and distinct repertoire of films, Shoojit Sircar today stands out as one of the most important and original voices of Indian Cinema. Besides bringing forth such quality cinema, Shoojit Sircar has also taken up the mantle of backing projects as a producer, producing the much appreciated and well received (Bengali) features, "Aparajita Tumi" and "Open Tee Bioscope"
As an ad film maker, Shoojit has been recognized internationally through works like the Cannes award winning, 'Lead India campaign' by The Times of India group, which brought together most respected Indian icons. His last (digital) campaign, an authentic reflection on modern parenting, has become a major talking point, going on to garner millions of hits on social media.- Producer
- Director
- Music Department
Aanand L. Rai is a Hindi film director and producer known for romantic-comedy movies Tanu Weds Manu (2011), Raanjhanaa (2013), Tanu Weds Manu: Returns (2015) and Zero (2018). Rai started assisting his elder brother television director Ravi Rai in television series. Eventually he made his directorial debut with the psychological thriller Strangers, followed by Thodi Life Thoda Magic (2008).- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Rajkumar Santoshi is an Indian film director, producer and screenwriter of Hindi films. Counted as one of the most successful filmmakers in the Hindi film industry, he has received several accolades,including three National Film Awards and six Filmfare Awards.
Santoshi made his directorial debut with the crime film Ghayal (1990), which won him the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment as well as the Filmfare Award for Best Director. He next directed the thrillers Damini (1993) and Ghatak: Lethal (1996). All these three financially successful films starred Sunny Deol, Amrish Puri and Meenakshi Seshadri; the second of these garnered him a second Filmfare Best Director Award and the latter fetched him the Filmfare Best Screenplay Award as well as a Filmfare Best Director Award nomination. During this period, Santoshi also received praise for directing the comedy Andaz Apna Apna (1994), which though a box office flop has attained cult status, and the major box-office hit Barsaat (1995), that marked the film debut of Bobby Deol and Twinkle Khanna. In 2000, he wrote dialogues of the average-earning film Pukar which garnered him the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. He followed it by directing two moderate commercial successes-the biopic The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) and the action thriller Khakee (2004)-both of which earned him Best Director nominations at the Filmfare. Santoshi's highest-grossing film release came in 2009 with the romantic comedy Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, in which he also appeared in a cameo role.
Rajkumar Santoshi has finished filming his next directional Badboy.- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Anil Sharma has been one of the most prolific, renowned and passionate film makers on Indian soil. He started his debut at the very young age of 21 years as a director with an outstanding film, "Shraddhanjali". His first film brought him tremendous recognition and acclaim as the movie proved to be a huge success at the box office. After that, he made a number of magnificent films and carved an indelible niche for himself as a successful film maker in Indian Film Industry. The movie, Gadar ek prem katha, turned out to be a milestone in his career as it created history at the box office and is rated among the most successful movies of Indian cinema.- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Anubhav Sinha was born on 22 June 1965 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is a director and writer, known for Article 15 (2019), Mulk (2018) and Thappad (2020).- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Ram Gopal Varma was born in Hyderabad, the capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. He initially was a video store owner before eventually becoming one of India's leading film directors. A film buff during his youth, Varma would watch both American and Indian cinema regularly. As a young man, he attended Siddhartha Engineering College in Vijayawada. Varma started his career in telugu cinema (the Hyderabad film industry), where he made a huge mark with his debut film Shiva, a violent and stylized actioner set in a college backdrop. At the age of 28, with little film training, Varma was able to convince Nagarjuna, a young Telugu star, to act in his debut picture. Nagarjuna was drawn by the narration of the script and intelligence displayed by the young Varma. Shiva was a landmark hit for the industry and was remade by Varma in the hindi language a year later.
His next was the exciting adventure film, Kshana Kshanam, starring Venkatesh and Sridevi. Varma followed this up with such films as - Raatri, a homage to 'The Exorcist' starring Revati and Om Puri (which Varma would remake over a decade later in Hindi as Bhoot) and Antham, a stylized crime drama, with Nagarjuna and Urmila Matondkar (which Varma would also rework later as Satya) - but was not able to attain the commercial success of his first feature. His next release Gaayam, with Jagapathi Babu and Urmila Matondkar, was a violent crime drama set in Hyderabad. The screenplay was co-written by tamil film director Mani Ratnam, and the script based on 'The Godfather'. It became a success for Varma. He then decided to start his own production banner, Varma Corporation Limited, and produced successful telugu films such as Money (remade later as Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega), Money Money (its sequel), Gulabi and Anaganaga Oka Roju.
His first huge success in hindi cinema (the Mumbai film industry) was the commercial blockbuster Rangeela, a stylish romantic drama with Aamir Khan and Urmila Matondkar. A.R. Rahman, a tamil music composer, was introduced to hindi audiences by Varma with this film and won the award for best film music.
Varma followed up with the ground breaking gangster saga Satya, a violent crime epic set in the Mumbai underworld. The film was gritty and realistic, reinventing the crime genre in Indian cinema. Varma had done extensive research for the film, and reworked certain elements of his earlier film Antham. Satya was widely considered Varma's first true masterwork. Made on a shoestring budget and with new faces, the film won awards for actor Manoj Bajpai and music composer Vishal Bharadwaj. Satya became a turning point in Varma's career, winning best picture of the year, and Varma would be forever associated with Mumbai noirs.
Varma then, with fellow director Shekhar Kapur, created a joint film production company in 1998 called India Talkies. The first venture of the production house was the ambitious terrorist drama 'Dil Se', with Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala. The film was a box office dud, and India Talkies would be short lived. Varma would return to focusing on his own production house Varma Corp.
The hard hitting masterpiece 'Shool' followed shortly after, written and produced by Varma. The film depicted the life of an honest police officer in the violent and harsh rural setting of Bihar. The film was a commercial and critical success with both Manoj Bajpai and Sayaji Shinde winning awards for their performances. Varma lightened things up next with the romantic drama 'Mast'. The film was inspired by Varma's own college days, and featured Aftab Shivdasani in an award-winning turn as a film crazy college student.
Varma decided afterwards to only direct films in the Mumbai film industry. He believed there was more talent in Mumbai than in southern film cities like Chennai and Hyderabad. Varma had always admired directors such as Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihlani, and Gulzar. He considers Kalyug, Ardh Satya, and Mere Apne among his favorite Indian films of all time. At a time when popular Indian Cinema featured either over the top action films or glamorous love stories, Varma's films were more rooted and realistic. Varma is known to frequently cut out song and dance sequences in his films, which are usually commonplace in Bollywood. His films almost always deal with the contemporary and urban, usually set in the city of Mumbai. He often uses Indian stage actors in his films rather than established bollywood stars. Mainly known for creating the 'Mumbai noir', Varma brought psychological depth and cinematic virtuosity to genre films.
More recently, Varma returned with the organized crime masterpiece 'Company'. The film was again set in the Mumbai underworld, and was based on real life Underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and his criminal outfit D-Company. The film featured award-winning performances by Ajay Devgan, Vivek Oberoi and Manisha Koirala. The film also won awards for best editing by Chandan Arora and best story by Jaideep Sahni. The film was lauded by critics and audiences alike.
His latest release Naach, which Varma called his best film yet, was a largely self reflective piece, about the relationship between an idealistic choreographer and an ambitious actor. The film had a weak commercial run but was liked by critics. In a recent interview with the Indian Express newspaper, the filmmaker criticized Indian audiences saying "I gave Ayn Rand to a Municipal School."
He spends most of his time these days producing small budget films for his successful production house Varma Corp. Though not always credited, he is involved in all aspects of his productions, often believed to 'ghost direct' many of the films. He produces films at a fast speed that is unfamiliar to the Indian Film Industry. He has had many recent successes including - 'Ab Tak Chhappan', based on the experiences of famed Mumbai police Daya Naik, 'D', a prequel to his earlier hit Company based on the early years of Dawood Ibrahim during his days under Pathan underworld boss Karim Lala, 'Ek Hasina Thi', a female revenge thriller, and finally 'Road'. He has also produced lighter films such as 'Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega' and 'Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon'.- Writer
- Director
- Producer
R. Balakrishnan, also known as Balki, is a prominent Indian filmmaker and screenwriter known for his unconventional storytelling style.
After completing his education, Balki began his career in advertising and made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film Cheeni Kum (2007) in 2007. The film starred Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu and received widespread appreciation for its unique storyline and the actors' performances.
Balki's next film, Paa (2009), featured Amitabh Bachchan in a remarkable performance as a child suffering from progeria, a rare genetic disorder. The film was a commercial success and won several awards, including the 2009 National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Balki continued to make thought-provoking films, such as Shamitabh (2015), which explored the relationship between a mute actor and his voice actor, and Ki & Ka (2016), which challenged gender stereotypes by depicting a house husband and a career-oriented wife. His film, Pad Man (2018), addressed menstruation's stigma and promoted menstrual hygiene.
His short film called Chup (2022) was released in February 2021. Chup has been widely appreciated by critics and audiences alike for its sensitive portrayal of a complex issue and its ability to spark a conversation around it.
Besides his filmmaking career, Balki wrote several successful ad campaigns, including the famous Daag Ache Hain for Surf Excel. He also produced the TV series Chup (2022) and the film Mission Mangal (2019)).
Balki is married to Gauri Shinde, a renowned director and filmmaker. The two first met when Balki was looking for a writer to work on his ad films, and Shinde was recommended to him. They eventually fell in love and married in 2007. Despite their busy schedules, they collaborated on several projects, with Balki producing Shinde's films and Shinde working on the scripts for Balki's films.- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Mahesh Bhatt was born on 20 September 1948 in Bombay, State of Bombay, India. He is a producer and director, known for Raaz (2002), Zakhm (1998) and Saaransh (1984). He has been married to Soni Razdan since 1986. They have two children. He was previously married to Lorraine Bright "Kiran Bhatt".- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Radhika Rao is known for Yaariyan 2 (2023), Sanam Teri Kasam (2016) and Lucky: No Time for Love (2005).- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Mahesh Pandey is known for Yeh Vaada Raha (2015), Hum Bal Brahmachari Tu Kanya Kunwari (2006) and Lovepantii (2021). He is married to Madhu Pandey. They have one child.- Editor
- Director
- Editorial Department
- Director
- Editor
- Writer
David Dhawan was born on 16 August 1955 in Agartala, Tripura, India. He is a director and editor, known for Aankhen (1993), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and Haseena Maan Jaayegi (1999). He is married to Karuna Chopra Dhawan. They have two children.- Director
- Actor
- Producer
Shekhar Kapur was born on 6 December 1945 in Lahore, Punjab, British India [now Pakistan]. He is a director and actor, known for Elizabeth (1998), Bandit Queen (1994) and The Four Feathers (2002). He was previously married to Suchitra Krishnamoorthi.- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Deepa Mehta is a transnational artist and a screenwriter, director, and producer whose work has been called "courageous", "provocative" and "breathtaking". Her visually lush and emotionally resonating films have played at every major international film festival; receiving numerous awards and accolades, and have been distributed around the world. Deepa was born in India and received a degree in philosophy from the University of New Delhi before immigrating to Canada. She began her career making documentaries in India.
In 1991, Deepa's first feature film Sam & Me, which stars Om Puri, won a Special Jury Mention in the Camera D'Or section at the Cannes Film Festival. Between 1992-1994 she directed two episodes of The Young Indiana Jones, produced by George Lucas for ABC. In 1993, Deepa directed her second feature film Camilla, a Canada-UK co-pro starring Jessica Tandy, Bridget Fonda, Elias Koteas, Maury Chaykin, Graham Greene, and Hume Cronyn. Fire, which Deepa wrote and directed, is the first film in her Elemental Trilogy (Fire, Earth, Water). Fire opened Perspective Canada at the 1996 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was runner-up for the People's Choice Most Popular Film Award. It played at the New York Film Festival and won many awards worldwide, including the Audience Award for Best Canadian Film at the Vancouver International Festival, the Special Jury Prize at the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival and Silver Hugo Awards for Best Direction and Best Actress in Chicago.
Earth, based on Bapsi Sidhwa's acclaimed novel about Partition, Cracking India, is the second film in the Elemental Trilogy. It premiered as a Special Presentation at the 1998 Toronto International Film Festival, and won the Prix Premiere du Public at the Festival du Film Asiatique de Deauville and the Critics' Award at the Verona Schermi d'Amore International Film Festival. Bollywood/Hollywood was a change of pace. Written and directed by Deepa, it is a lighthearted, affectionate comedy about two mismatched lovers. It opened Perspective Canada at the 2002 Toronto International Film Festival and was a tremendous crossover box office success. It remains one of the top 10 grossing English language Canadian movies. In 2003 Deepa co-wrote and directed the Canada-UK co-pro The Republic of Love, based on a Carol Shields novel.
After a disrupted and hazardous production history Deepa's final film in the Elemental Trilogy Water opened the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival, and was the first Canadian film acquired by US distributor Fox Searchlight. Water is a powerful, hauntingly tragic story, set in Benares (Varanasi) about a child widow who at the age of eight is forced to enter a house of widows where she has to live for the rest of her life. The movie was to have been shot in India in 2000, but Hindu fundamentalists fomented riots, burnt sets, and issued death threats against the director and actors, forcing production to shut down and the filmmakers to leave the country. Water was successfully remounted in Sri Lanka and completed shooting in June 2004, and features many of India's most renowned actors.
Water was an enormous success. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 79th Annual Academy Awards, and has screened at festivals around the world, winning many awards, and remains an audience favourite. The Vancouver Film Critics Circle named Deepa Mehta the Best Canadian Director of 2006. This fall (2015) is the 10th anniversary of Water's launch.
In 2006 Deepa made a documentary about domestic violence in Toronto's immigrant families called Let's Talk About It, which continues to be used in community outreach programs. She then thematically segued into the feature film Heaven On Earth, which explores arranged marriages and isolation. Starring Preity Zinta, the film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2008. It was awarded a Silver Hugo for Best Actress at the Chicago International Film Festival, and received the Best Screenplay Award at the Dubai International Film Festival. It also won the Youth Jury Award at the Schermi d'Amore Film Festival in Verona and the Audience Award at the River to River Florence Indian Film Festival.
In 2012, Deepa completed her epic cinematic adaptation of Salman Rushdie's famous novel about the history of India in the 20th century, Midnight's Children. A novel that won three Booker prizes. The movie, with 127 speaking parts, and covering five distinct time periods from 1917-1977, was a vast, ambitious undertaking and has screened all over the world, including the Telluride Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and the BFI London Film Festival. Midnight's Children was chosen as the Best Feature Film of 2013 at the Directors Guild of Canada's Awards.
Deepa's work as an artist, as a progressive voice about social issues, and her generous mentorship have often been recognized. She has received numerous honorary degrees and many awards and honours, among them: The Life of Distinction Award from the Canadian Centre of Diversity, The Excellence in the Arts Award from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, and the Woman of Distinction, President's Award from the YMCA. She is a recipient of the Governor General's Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award for Film. Most recently, in 2013, Deepa was appointed as an officer to the Order of Canada, Canada's highest civilian honour, for her work as a "groundbreaking screenwriter, director, and producer." She is also a recipient of the province of Ontario's highest honour, the Order of Ontario.- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Deepak Tijori is a household name in India and across the world for his path breaking work in the entertainment industry and is one of the most popular Indian film directors and actors who has created his niche in Bollywood and is well known for his memorable roles in Aashiqui (1990), Khiladi (1992), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994), Anjaam (1994), Ghulam (1998) and Baadshah (1999). He also starred as a lead actor in Pehla Nasha (1993). Tijori started his career as a director with Oops! (2003), a film about male strippers. This was followed by Fareb (2005), Khamoshh... Khauff Ki Raat (2005), Tom, Dick, and Harry (2006) and Fox (2009). Thriller at 10 - Fareb, a TV mini-series produced by Tijori won the 2001 Indian Television Academy Awards in the category best mini-series. He directed his latest movie, Do Lafzon Ki Kahani (2016) which won him many accolades. His next film to be shot on a massive scale in London is Tipsy. Armed with M.Com with Finance Degree, Deepak is also Bachelor of General Law from the highly coveted Bombay University. A keen yoga enthusiast, Deepak believes in the union of a healthy body & healthy mind.- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Born on 21st May 1966 in Kolkata, Sujoy Ghosh is an Indian film writer, director, actor and producer who is well known for his critically acclaimed movies like Jhankar Beats, Kahaani, Ahalya and Badla.
The film maker started the trend of multiplex movies in Bollywood with his directorial debut Jhankaar Beats in 2003 which went on to become a superhit. Ghosh's mystery thriller film Kahaani which released in the year 2012 was his path-breaking female lead movie for which he bagged many awards including a National Film Award for Best Screenplay and a Filmfare Award for Best Director. In 2016, his film Kahaani 2 was released which is a sequel to Kahaani. With his 15 minuter short film - Ahalya (2015), he started the trend of mainstream directors making digital short films.
His latest crime-thriller Badla, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu received a widespread acclaim and emerged as the content film of the year for its nail-biting plot that left the audiences at the edge of their seats till the very last moment. This is his second film with Amitabh Bachchan, first being Aladin and second being the 2016 thriller film Te3n which was produced by Sujoy. Alongside writing and directing films, Sujoy also acts with the Bengali mystery-thriller Satyanweshi (2013) being his debut film as an actor where he played the role of Byomkesh Bakshi.
Not many know but the popular phrase of the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders - "Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re" was penned by Sujoy himself. With the quality driven content in his films, Sujoy Ghosh is one of the leading filmmakers in the country.- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Rahul Dholakia was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He is known for Raees (2017), Parzania (2005) and Lamhaa: The Untold Story of Kashmir (2010).- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Ali Abbas Zafar was born 17 January, 1982 in Dehradun, India. He is an Indian screenwriter-director, known for his acclaimed, blockbuster films Sultan (2016) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017).
After majoring in Chemistry at Delhi University, he assisted various directors in Mumbai before making his directorial debut in Hindi cinema with the successful romantic comedy Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011), which he followed up with the successful period drama Gunday(2014).- Producer
Anil Singh is known for Pranaam (2019).- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Ketan Mehta is one of the most internationally acknowledged filmmakers from India. He has a received many National and International awards for his well-known films like 'The Rising - Ballad of Mangal Pandey', 'Mirch Masala', 'Maya Memsaab', 'Sardar', 'Holi' and 'Bhavni Bhavai'. Received Best Film on Human Rights for Bhavni Bhavai, Best Film for Mirch Masala at the Hawaii International Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award at Locarno for the Ballad of Mangal Pandey.
Ketan Mehta, a graduate in Film making from India's premier film institute FTII (Film and Televsion Institute of India) has more than 25 years' experience in the film industry.
His films have been shown at film festivals across the world and he has been a jury member at many international film festivals.
He has served as a consultant on many Government of India bodies including Doordarshan, Directorate of Film Festivals and is currently a Member of the Board of Directors of NFDC (National Film Development Corporation of India). He has been a Content Producer for ISRO and been involved in their satellite project for a number of years.
He is also the President of IIFW - (Independent Indian filmmakers's worldwide) a global association of Independent film makers and the promoter of Maya Entertainment ltd, India's leading Computer Animation and Digital visual effects studio.- Director
- Editor
- Cinematographer
Azad Husain is an Indian film director, Editor and actor known for his works exclusively in Hindi cinema. A stand-out film from his earlier crime based film "Delhi Bus" (2017), in which he played a very important character is Screened at the 2017 Canes International Film Festival. He begun his career as an assistant director with 2015 crime thriller drama Lateef the king of crime. Hussain made his debut in film direction with "Web Girls" which is based on cyber crime and on a psychic man. His upcoming flicks are "Trip to bachelor party" which is based on six friends. Bachelor party is also a crime thriller drama, and the second one is "Task the game begins".- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Nikkhil Advani was born on 28 April 1971 in Mumbai, Maharahstra, India. He is a writer and producer, known for Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), P.O.W. Bandi Yuddh Ke (2016) and D-Day (2013).- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Director
- Writer
Manoj Shidheshwari Tiwari is known for P Se Pyaar F Se Faraar (2019), Captured by You (2003) and Global Baba (2016).- Casting Director
- Casting Department
- Actor
Mukesh Chhabra is the driving force behind streamlining the casting field in the Hindi Film Industry. After training for 2 years to understand the craft of acting from Shri Ram Centre, he completed a 9 year acting and teaching stint with the 'Theatre in Education' Company (TIE) affiliated with the National School of Drama in India. Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company incepted in 2008 and in a very short span has evolved into becoming one of the finest casting companies catering to worldwide clientele. Having worked in the industry for 15 years, Mukesh Chhabra has cast for 300+ movies, 100 + web series, numerous TV commercials and is the man who discovered faces like Rajkummar Rao, Sushant Singh Rajput, Mrunal Thakur, Pratik Gandhi, Sanya Malhotra, Fatima Sana Shaikh among-st many others. MCCC believes in nurturing new talents to carve a niche in the big bustling world of Hindi Cinema. Today, the biggest directors in the industry like Rajkumar Hirani, Nitesh Tiwari, Richie Mehta, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Abhishek Kapoor, Aanand L. Rai, Anurag Kashyap, Raj Nidimoru, Krishna D.K., Anubhav Sinha, Hansal Mehta, Vishal Bhardwaj, Sooraj Barjatya, A.R. Rahman, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and producers like Sajid Nadiadwala, Karan Johar, Bhushan Kumar, Ekta Kapoor and many more all choose MCCC for their casting needs. Mukesh and his team take pride in themselves in bringing attention to detail to all projects in their care.- Writer
- Director
- Producer
Sagar Sarhadi was born on 11 May 1933 in Abbottabad, Pakistan. He was a writer and director, known for Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000), Kabhi Kabhie (1976) and Chausar (2018). He died on 22 March 2021 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.