Director In The Spotlight: Anurag Basu

Basu was born in a family of theater artists, which influenced his childhood as he grew up watching theatrical performances. While pursuing his college education in Mumbai, he assisted in various television and film projects. His career took a leap when he started as an Assistant Director for the serial Tara. There was no turning back after that as he went on to direct many more television adventures, eventually joining one of the biggest production houses, Balaji Telefilms.

Here in the Balaji camp, Basu tugged on the opportunity to make his directorial debut with the movie Kucch To Hai in 2003. Due to unknown reasons, Basu left the project midway. Though the movie garnered an average opening, it never picked up and ended up failing miserably at the box-office. Next Basu directed Saaya for Mahesh Bhatt's production company, which also bombed at the box office.

After this came the major hit of Basu's life, Murder. The movie was granted an A certificate as it was a new area unexplored hitherto, yet it was appreciated critically and commercially. After this he had a series of successful movies like Gangster, Life in a... Metro, etc. Though his next venture Kites couldn't garner the expected success, his latest movie Barfi! created a milestone in Basu's life. It became the third highest grosser of last year, and was the recipient of a number of accolades, the most common ones being Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and Best Debut Female. It also managed to receive the nomination to the prestigious Oscars representing India. 

 

 

Writer: Pooja B.

Editors: Komal P. and Gunia M.

Graphics: Gurprit K.