All these great films have entertained the audiences, from the grandeur of Bajirao Mastani to the car-blowing action in Singham or the love triangle in Kuch kuch hota Hai to the comedy in the Munna Bhai series. A vital credit for the concept, execution, vision, and setting of these fantastic movies goes to Bollywood directors who put their heart and soul into filmmaking. Here are the 7 most iconic Bollywood directors.
Working as the backbone behind the screen, they bring great stories alive on screen with impeccable execution. Earlier, a film was recognized with its star cast.
But people have started watching movies with more scrutiny, and directors are increasingly getting popular for their work, becoming another crowd-pulling source.
If you are a Bollywood movie-lover, here are the 7 most Iconic Bollywood Directors that keep the audience hooked on the big screen.
1. Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Grandeur, larger-than-life sets, precision, chartbuster songs, and unmatched performances characterize Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s filmmaking. He began his career as an assistant director and debuted with Khamoshi: The Musical, which was critically praised.
He made popular films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Ram Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Padmavat, and Gangubai Kathiawadi. SLB has created an individual identity through these films, creating visual splendor and festivities on-screen.
Also, many of his successful films have featured love triangles exploring complex human emotions amazingly. For his exceptional direction, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has won four National Film Awards and ten Filmfare awards.
2. Rohit Shetty
Commercial Masala films have been central to the Hindi Film Industry, and Rohit Shetty is one of the most successful directors in that genre. His films are a mix of action, Masala, and comedy that cater to family audiences. Rohit Shetty began his career as an assistant director and body double in films.
Shetty debuted as an independent director with Zameen. However, he gained attention and fame with Golmaal, which later became a successful series. His successful films include Singham, Singham Returns, Chennai Express, Bol Bachchan, Diwale, Simbaa, Sooryavanshi, and more.
Most of his films have starred Ajay Devgan in the lead. Also, he has created a successful cop universe with successful films such as Singham Returns, Simmba, and Sooryavanshi, which is expected to grow.
3. Rajkumar Hirani
One of the most successful Film Directors, both commercially and critically, has been Rajkumar Hirani. He is known for making lighthearted comedy films around critical social issues. Also, he uses an emotional approach to teaching significant lessons through his movies.
Hirani started his career as a Film editor and later began making ad films. His debut film as a director was Munna Bhai MBBS, which became a critical and commercial success. The film’s characters and dialogue became a favorite among the audience.
Rajkumar Hirani has made films like Munna Bhai Series, 3 Idiots, PK, and Sanju. His upcoming movie is titled Dunki with Shah Rukh Khan.
4. Karan Johar
Romantic films in Bollywood have always created a special place in the hearts of audiences. At present, one of the best directors in this genre is Karan Johar. His films cater to concepts like a love triangle, family dynamics, and friendship.
Karan Johar is the son of producer Yash Johar. He made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, a massive commercial success. The list of films where he donned the director’s hat includes Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, My Name is Khan, Student of the Year, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, etc.
His initial films mostly starred Shah Rukh Khan. Apart from being a director, he is a successful Bollywood film under the banner of Dharma Productions. Another popular element in his movies is fantastic music that tops the charts as soon as they are released.
5. Zoya Akhtar
Despite talent, the way for female filmmakers in Bollywood has not been easy. But things are changing, and directors like Zoya Akhtar are making their names on this list. She is known for making films with a Western touch.
Zoya completed a diploma in Filmmaking from New York University and worked as an Assistant Director. She has directed films like Luck by Chance, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, and Gully Boy.
Akhtar is the recipient of several awards, including five Filmfare Awards. Also, she is the daughter of lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar.
6. Imtiaz Ali
Another famous director in the romantic genre is Imtiaz Ali, who is known for making modern love stories. Also, they have a unique storyline and great music to complement it.
Imtiaz started his career by directing the TV program Kurukshetra for Zee TV. In addition, he directed Imtihaan for Doordarshan.
Some of the best films by Imtiaz Ali have been Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal, Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha, etc. They featured fresh pairings among actors and emerged as critical and commercial successes.
7. Anurag Kashyap
Anurag Kashyap is known for making films in the crime-drama genre with stories set in small towns of the country. He started his career by writing a TV serial and made his debut as a director with Paanch, which could not be released due to censorship issues.
He directed films like Black Friday, Dev.D, Gulaal, That Girl in Yellow Boots, Gangs of Wasseypur, Bombay Velvet, Mukkabaaz, Manmarziyaan, Dobaaraa, Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat, and Kennedy etc.
Kashyap has been the recipient of several awards, including four Filmfare Awards. Moreover, the Government of France awarded him the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2013 for his work as a filmmaker.
Summing up,
A director is someone who works from the conceptualization of the story to its promotion and distribution. They direct every step of filmmaking, and these directors have established their unique identity with their films.
The audiences have been treated with diverse content by them, which has kept Bollywood growing over the decades. As an inspiration to new filmmakers, the Hindi Film Industry is all set to thrive.
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