Lights! Camera! Action!
Get ready to take a wild ride as we embark on a journey through the fascinating world of Indian women filmmakers. India has a rich history of filmmaking, and over the years, many women have broken barriers and made significant contributions to the industry. Over the years, many women have made significant contributions to the Indian film industry, bringing their unique perspectives and stories to the screen. From compelling dramas to heartwarming comedies, they have captivated audiences with their unique storytelling and creative vision.
It’s time to shine a spotlight on the talented and visionary women who have made their mark on the Indian film industry. These women have brought a fresh perspective and unique voice to the Indian film industry, defying the odds and carving their path to success. From critically acclaimed works to commercial hits, their films have captured hearts and minds worldwide.
Here’s the list of women filmmakers who have served their groundbreaking contributions to the Indian film industry.
1. Rohena Gera
Rohena Gera is an accomplished scriptwriter for Indian cinema who has made significant contributions to the industry. Her education from Stanford University and Sarah Lawrence College reflects her passion for storytelling, and she has since become a prolific writer, writing for both TV series and films.
In 2003, Gera made her screenwriting debut for the popular Indian TV series “Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin” on Sony Entertainment Television. Her writing talent was quickly recognized, and she went on to work on other successful TV shows. In 2013, Gera wrote and directed her first documentary titled “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” The film explores the expectations surrounding love, marriage, happiness, and tradition among urban and privileged Indians in a humorous and relatable way. It was well-received by critics and audiences alike and helped establish Gera as a talented filmmaker.
Gera’s feature film, “Sir,” was showcased at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival in the selection of La Semaine de la Critique. The movie tells the story of Ratna, a young widowed domestic servant working in a luxurious house, who aspires to achieve her dreams of independence. Despite its delayed release until 2020, “Sir” has received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of class differences and complex relationships between the characters.
Through her work, Gera has shown a commitment to exploring the nuances of the human experience and telling stories that resonate with audiences across cultures.
2. Shilpi Dasgupta
Shilpi Dasgupta is a rising filmmaker in the Indian film industry who has made a name for herself with her unique perspective and storytelling skills. She was born and brought up in Kolkata, West Bengal, and completed her education at Jadavpur University. She started her career in the advertising industry, working for some of the biggest advertising agencies in the country, including Ogilvy and Mather, JWT, and Grey Worldwide.
Shilpi Dasgupta made her directorial debut with the comedy-drama film “Khandaani Shafakhana” in 2019, which revolves around the taboo subject of sex and the importance of breaking the stigma around it. The film features Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role, along with actors like Badshah, Varun Sharma, and Annu Kapoor. Shilpi’s unique take on the subject received critical acclaim and was appreciated by the audience as well.
Prior to her directorial debut, Shilpi had worked as an assistant director on several Bollywood films, including “Aashiqui 2,” “Baby,” and “Veere Di Wedding.” She also directed a few TV commercials and music videos before making her feature film debut. Shilpi is known for her fresh and relatable storytelling style, which resonates with the audience.
3. Rima Das
Rima Das is a highly acclaimed Indian filmmaker who was born in the year 1982. Her passion for filmmaking began at a very young age, and she started experimenting with cameras and making short films on her own. Before pursuing her career in filmmaking, she worked as a freelance producer, script supervisor, and casting director.
In 2017, Rima Das released her most celebrated film, Village Rockstars, which earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. The film is about a young girl named Dhunu who dreams of forming her own rock band and how she overcomes the obstacles in her path. The movie was shot on a shoestring budget with a cast of non-professional actors and went on to win several national and international awards.
Rima Das’s achievements in the film industry have been widely recognized. In 2018, she was named one of the 50 most influential young Indians by GQ India. She was also chosen as one of the Brand Ambassadors of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Share Her Journey campaign, which aims to promote gender equality in cinema. Rima Das has also served on the jury of various film festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival, Mumbai International Film Festival, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, and Zlin Film Festival for Children & Youth.
In February 2018, Rima Das was conferred with a doctorate degree at the 3rd convocation of Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKSHOU) held at the Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium. This was a testament to her hard work and dedication to the art of filmmaking.
4. Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari‘s journey from the world of advertising to the film industry is a remarkable one. After completing her studies in commercial arts, she joined the advertising agency Leo Burnett where she spent 15 years and won numerous awards for her work in advertising campaigns. However, her passion for filmmaking eventually led her to leave her successful advertising career behind and pursue a career in directing.
In 2016, Tiwari made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film Nil Battey Sannata, a comedy-drama that tells the story of a mother and daughter’s struggles to achieve their dreams. The film’s success led to a Tamil remake entitled Amma Kanakku.
Tiwari’s next film, Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), a romantic comedy set in the small town of Bareilly, was a commercial and critical success. The film won her the Filmfare Award for Best Director and further cemented her position as a talented filmmaker.
In 2019, she directed the sports drama film Panga starring Kangana Ranaut. The film tells the story of a former national-level Kabaddi player who returns to the sport after marriage and motherhood. In 2021, Tiwari directed a web series titled “BreakPoint” which chronicles the lives of tennis champions Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. And most recently, she directed the web series “Faadu” which was released on Sony Liv in 2022.
Tiwari’s films often focus on the lives of ordinary people and their struggles, and she is known for her ability to infuse humor into serious subject matters. Her work has garnered her a loyal fan base and critical acclaim.
5. Nandita Das
Nandita Das is an accomplished Indian actress and director with over 40 feature film credits in ten different languages. Some of her notable acting roles include Fire (1996), Earth (1998), Bawandar (2000), Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Azhagi (2002), Kamli (2006), and Before The Rains (2007). She made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed Firaaq (2008), which won numerous awards at film festivals around the world. Her second film as a director, Manto (2018), based on the life of Indo-Pakistani writer Sadat Hasan Manto, was screened at the Cannes Film Festival in the “Un Certain Regard” section. Her recent work was with comedy king, Kapil Sharma’s starrer short film, “Zwigato“.
Aside from her work in film, Das has also been involved in social activism, including producing a two-minute public service announcement music video called India’s Got Colour, which addresses the issue of colorism in India. She has also written a book titled ‘Manto & I’, which chronicles her six-year journey of making the film Manto. Additionally, she has written, directed, produced, and acted in a short film titled Listen to Her, which highlights the issue of domestic violence and the struggles faced by women during the lockdown. Das has also served twice as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival, in 2005 and 2013.
6. Geetu Mohandas
Gayatri Das, professionally known as Geetu Mohandas, is an Indian film actress and director who is best known for her work in Malayalam cinema and Bollywood. In 2013, she directed the socio-political film Liar’s Dice, which won two National Film Awards, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and was selected as India’s entry for the U.S. 87th Academy Awards. Geetu Mohandas established her film production house, Unplugged, in 2009, which produced her directorial debut short fiction film titled Kelkkunnundo Are You Listening. The film won three international awards for Best Short Fiction as well as the National Film Award in India and has been included as a chapter in the 12th standard Kerala state syllabus since 2014.
Liar’s Dice received the Hubert Bals fund for script and project development and was selected in Competition for the world dramatic competition at Sundance Film Festival in 2014. It won six major international awards across the world and two National awards in India and was India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Film category for the 87th Academy Awards. Geetu Mohandas’s second feature film, Moothon, was mentored by the Sundance Film Lab and she won the Global Filmmaker Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. Moothon had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019 and was the opening film at MAMI 2019.
7. Alankrita Shrivastava
Alankrita Shrivastava is a talented filmmaker who has made significant contributions to Indian cinema. With her unique storytelling style and ability to address taboo subjects in her films, she has made a name for herself in the industry. Shrivastava’s films are known for their focus on female characters and their struggles. She has been able to give voice to the concerns and desires of women that are often ignored or silenced in the mainstream narrative.
She pursued her filmmaking career after moving to Mumbai and began working as an associate director for Prakash Jha. During her time with Jha, she assisted in the making of several notable films, including Gangaajal, Apaharan, Loknayak, Dil Dosti, Khoya Khoya Chand, and Raajneeti.
One of Shrivastava’s most notable contributions to Indian cinema is her critically acclaimed film “Lipstick Under My Burkha.” The film tells the story of four women from different backgrounds who are struggling to break free from the constraints of their conservative society. The film was initially banned by the Indian Central Board of Film Certification for being “lady-oriented” and promoting “sexual fantasies.” However, after a long legal battle, the film was released and went on to win numerous awards and critical acclaim both in India and internationally.
Shrivastava’s ability to weave complex narratives and nuanced characters into her films is a testament to her skills as a filmmaker. She has a unique voice and vision that has been able to capture the attention of audiences and critics alike. Her films have pushed boundaries and sparked discussions, making her a significant contributor to the evolution of Indian cinema.
Films from a woman’s perspective can be compared to a cup of hot winter tea – they are invigorating, satisfying, and hit you straight in the feels. Such films are a refreshing change from the stereotypical portrayal of women as mere objects or secondary characters. They offer a glimpse into a world that has often been ignored, overlooked, or misrepresented in mainstream cinema.
Women filmmakers bring their unique perspectives and experiences to their craft, resulting in films that are not only relatable but also thought-provoking. They showcase stories that are not just about women but are also by women, and this makes them authentic, raw, and inspiring. From highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in their personal and professional lives to shining a light on social and political issues, these films offer a fresh and much-needed perspective. So this Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the creativity and innovation of our women filmmakers and their incredible contributions to cinema.
