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6 Most Powerful Women Directors Of Indian Cinema
With her forthcoming film, Beeba Boys, releasing on October 16, 2015, Deepa Mehta leads our list of the six most powerful women directors of Indian cinema.
Her craft reflects through films such as Fire, Earth, Bollywood/Hollywood, Water and Midnight's Children. Like many of her other works, Beeba Boys explores themes of gender, identity and immigration. Mehta was honoured as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2013.
Deepa Mehta: Director of Beeba Boys
Photo Credits, L–R: www.topnews.in and www.cineplex.com
Mira Nair has carved her artistic niche through a wide-ranging body of work, including masterpieces like Salaam Bombay!, Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake and The Reluctant Fundamentalist. She was awarded India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan Award, in 2012.
Mira Nair: Director of Monsoon Wedding
Photo Credits, L–R: www.torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com and www.glamsham.com
Farah Khan has created blockbusters like Main Hoon Na, Om Shanti Om and Happy New Year. With vibrant visuals, star-studded casts and a Bollywood-friendly blend of drama and romance, her films offer strong entertainment value.
Farah Khan: Director of Om Shanti Om
Photo Credits, L–R: www.fridayblockbuster.com and www.wikipedia.org
Zoya Akhtar has a forte of combining meaningful and commercially viable cinema under one roof. Although young in her filmmaking career, she has already proven her mettle through films such as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Dhadakne Do.
Zoya Akhtar: Director of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Photo Credits, L–R: www.dnaindia.com and www.entertainmentwallpaper.com
You can gauge Aparna Sen's directorial brilliance and versatility through award-winning films like 36 Chowringhee Lane, Yugant, 15 Park Avenue, and Mr. and Mrs. Iyer. She was awarded India's fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri Award, in 1987.
Aparna Sen: Director of Mr. and Mrs. Iyer
Photo Credits, L–R: www.indiaactors.com and www.hindimovies.co
Reema Kagti has shown her excellence in directing with two very different films: a comedy-drama, Honeymoon Travels, and a psychological thriller, Talaash. She is a promising figure among contemporary filmmakers.
Reema Kagti: Director of Talaash
Photo Credit: www.bollywoodlife.com
Which of these outstanding women inspires you the most? Share your comments below.
Main Image Photo Credits, L–R: www.bollywoodhungama.com, www.torontobutler.eu and www.pinkvilla.com
Sonia Malik
Author
Sonia writes on current affairs and pop culture. An English graduate from the University of Toronto, she identifies as a global citizen, feminist and nature lover. She will be ready to shake a leg to a peppy Bollywood beat any day.
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