A film is a dramatic representation of a natural or purely fictional story. Movie directors are a boon, and they supervise the creative component of a film. They read scripts, direct actors, edit screenplays, and coordinate with editors off-screen. Without a director, it is almost impossible to direct a whole movie. Hence, they are among the top 10 successful directors of Bollywood movies:
1. Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Born in the Bhuleshwar area of Mumbai, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a famous Indian film director of Bollywood movies. Sanjay started his career as an assistant to Vidhu Chopra and was involved in making the film Parinda. His career took a turn over when he directed the film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. He has won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi for the movie Black. Bhansali is famous for his epic films like “Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela,” “Bajirao Mastani,” and “Padmaavat.”
2. Anurag Kashyap
Born in 1972, Anurag Kashyap is a prominent Indian director of Bollywood movies. He directed his first short, Auto Narayan, through which he got many references. From there, his journey as a film director started with his first film, Paanch, in 2007, which brought many positive reviews. Later that year, he directed many films, such as Return of Hanuman and No Smoking. Anurag got recognition after his hit film Uddan in 2010, produced by his own production house Anurag Kashyap Films. Kashyap is also known for “Gangs of Wasseypur,” a two-part crime drama that became very popular.
3. Rajkumar Hirani
Rajkumar Hirani is an Indian Director hailing from Nagpur, Maharashtra. He started his career as a film editor in Indian films. His first film as a professional editor was Mission Kashmir in 2000. Rajkumar has always wanted to be a film director, so he took a year’s break and emerged with his blockbuster Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. This film won him his first Filmfare Awards for Best Film and Best Screenplay (Critics). Hirani gained more fame with “3 Idiots,” a movie about the education system, which became a blockbuster. His film “PK,” starring Aamir Khan, was another major success, tackling religious superstitions. “Sanju,” a biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt, was also well-received.
4. Ashutosh Gowariker
Ashutosh is a Maharashtrian film director, actor, and producer for Indian Cinema. He has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film at the 74th Academy Awards for his sport-oriented film Lagaan. His first debut as a film director was with the thriller movie Pehla Nasha. Later, he directed many other films like Baazi, Swades, Everest, Jodha Akbar, Mohenjo Daro, Panipat and the latest film was ToolsidasJunior.
5. Priyadarshan
Priyadarshan is a legendary film director and has worked in Hindi films. He completed his post-graduation degree from the University College Trivandrum. He has produced over 95 films over four decades in various languages, including Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Telegu. Priyadarshan ji’s first film, Muskurahat, was a total disaster, but he came with a comeback and directed the film Gardish. His recent work includes comedy movies like Garam Masala, Gardish, Chup Chup Ke, Hulchul, Bhool Bhuliaya and Bhagam Bhag.
6. Rohit Shetty
Rohit Shetty is a famous film director known for his humour, action and tangy masala movies. His film Golmaal hit the cinemas in 2006 and was a great success. Soon after, he released blockbuster movies like Singham, Golmaal Returns, Golmaal 3, Sooryavanshi, Simmba and Chennai Express.
7. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Omprakash Mehra, known as the director of Rang De Basanti and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, won two Filmfare Awards as Best Director. His first film was an action thriller film, Aks. His other films are Delhi-6, Mrizya, Toofan, Faney Khan and Mere Pyare, Prime Minister.
8. Imtiaz Ali
Imtiaz Ali was born in Jamshedpur district of Patna. In 2005, he made his first debut by directing Socha Na Tha, starring Abay Deol. His works include Love Aajkal, Rockstar, Tamasha, Jab We Met and Highway.
9. Neeraj Pandey
Neeraj is an Indian director and screenwriter of Bollywood movies. He directed his first movie, A Wednesday, which received positive reviews. Neeraj is the director of the epic film M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. In 2016, he released his own production house, Friday Filmworks. His other famous works include Baby, The Royal Bengal Tiger, Special 26, Aiyary and Toilet Ek Prem Katha.
10. Vishal Bharadwaj
Vishal Bharadwaj is another legendary name in the Hindi Film Industry. He debuted his first movie as a film director in Abhay and Machhis. Vishal was born in Chandapur district of Bijnor in 1965. His renowned works include Omkara, Kaminey, Haider, 7 Khoon Maaf, Rangoon and Patakha. In 1997, Bharadwaj won the first Filmfare R. D. Burman Award for New Music Talent for Maachis and later for the Godmother movie. His film Blue umbrella also won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film,Vishal is a renowned name in Bollywood and has also done many top Malayalam movies.
Conclusion:
These ten directors represent the rich tapestry of Bollywood in 2024. They are not just directors; their journey shows their long perseverance for success. From Bhansali’s grand spectacles to Kashyap’s gritty realism, they offer diverse cinematic experiences that keep audiences and their viewers entertained and cherished for years.
