Mira Nair

Director

Date of birth:

15 Oct 1957

Height:

Director

Little Zizou

(13 Mar 2009)

Executive Producer

The Namesake

(23 Mar 2007)

Director, Producer

Monsoon Wedding

(30 Nov 2001)

Actor, Director, Producer

Voice of Mrs Mehta (uncredited)

Kama Sutra

(6 Feb 1998)

Director, Writer

Salam Bombay

(1989)

Director, Producer, Writer

Director

India Cabaret

(1985)

Director

Awards

2006

Love is Folly International Film Festival, Bulgaria
()

2002

Zee Cine Awards
(Special Award For International Cinema)

2000

Biarritz International Festival of Audiovisual Programming
(Documentary And Essay)

1989

National Film Awards, India
(Best Regional Film Hindi)

1988

Los Angeles Women in Film Festival
(Excellence In Feature Film)

News

"It was just shameful": Shefali Shah recalls being touched inappropriately in market

10 Apr 2023

Shefali Shah recently opened up about being touched inappropriately in a market, explaining how it was shameful. In an exclusive interview with ANI, the 'Darlings' star recalls the shocking incident while talking about her role as Ria Verma from her critically acclaimed movie 'Monsoon Wedding' by Mira Nair. In the film, her character went through sexual abuse as a child.Shefali said, "Like I said earlier, everyone's gone through it. I remember walking in a crowded market and being touched inappropriately and feeling crap about it. And, never ever saying anything because I wouldn't say it was guilt but it's just...shameful."When questioned whether she wondered if she did anything to invite it, the actor answered, "Yes. I agree with you. A lot of people think; did I do anything? You feel guilty, shameful and you feel bhool jao. Shove it under the carpet kind of thing'. Honestly, I don't think I gave it so much thought that it's an important conversation to speak. It was just something that struck straight inside me and the entire film."Shefali has been in the industry for over 27 years. Besides 'Moonsoon Wedding', she has shown her acting mettle in several projects such as 'Once Again', 'Delhi Crime', 'Jalsa', 'Dil Dhadakne Do', 'Darlings' and 'Doctor G'.

BAFTA announces jury for Breakthrough India 2021; AR Rahman, Anupam Kher, Mira Nair, Siddharth Roy Kapur amongst the jurors

19 Apr 2021

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today announced the illustrious list of jury members for its debut BAFTA Breakthrough India initiative, supported by Netflix. Distinguished professionals from across the film, games and television industries came together to select this years talented honourees. The Jury was chaired by BAFTA Breakthrough India Ambassador, A R Rahman.BAFTA invited candidates from across the country to apply for their flagship talent initiative BAFTA Breakthrough India. Due to an overwhelming number of quality applications from the films, games and television industries nationwide, the initiative will recognise not five but ten emerging Indian talents across the three industries.The ten chosen BAFTA Breakthrough India honourees will receive one-to-one mentoring and career guidance, full voting BAFTA membership and access to BAFTA events and networking opportunities, both in the UK and internationally.Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the jury met virtually, bringing together a diverse mix of national and international knowledge across the film, games and television industries.List of Jurors 2021 include:AR Rahman - Jury Chair (Music Composer) Anupam Kher (Actor) Charu Desodt (Former BAFTA Breakthrough & Games Producer) Krishnendu Majumdar (BAFTA Chair and TV Producer) Mira Nair (Director/Writer/Producer) Monika Shergill (VP, Content, Netflix India) Shonali Bose (Director/Writer/Producer) Siddharth Roy Kapur (Founder & Producer at Roy Kapur Films)BAFTA Breakthrough India Ambassador and Jury Chair, A R Rahman, said, BAFTA is a platform where artists from around the world, including the best from India, are represented and celebrated, and its my honour to be a part of its Breakthrough India jury. There are many creatives in India who are looking to bring their art to the world, to showcase Indias vibrant and diverse culture, but unfortunately, they face traps both mental and external. The opportunity to discuss these blocks, to engage on issues of creativity, to make the right connections, to network and grow, would greatly benefit the plethora of talent we have in our country. Through Breakthrough, we offer artists our knowledge and connectivity, as well as opportunities thatll hopefully nurture their craft and help them leave their mark on the world. India is home to incredible artists and Im proud of us. Its time we make our names known, its time we all shine."Amanda Berry OBE, Chief Executive at BAFTA, said, India has one of the most fascinating creative industries and is home to so many talented film, games and television practitioners. The BAFTA Breakthrough initiative will facilitate meaningful collaborations between creative communities globally and that is the one of most exciting, extraordinary parts of the initiative. We are so excited to be supporting the next generation of talent in India and look forward to working with them and offering unique career development, networking and promotion on a global stage.Breakthrough India marks BAFTAs arrival in India, showcasing and propelling the upcoming generation of creative talent in film, games and television globally alongside selected talent from the UK and USA. BAFTA Breakthrough India, launched in November 2020, is BAFTAs flagship, global new talent initiative that showcases and supports the next generation of creative talent in film, games and television. Previously known as Breakthrough Brits, the initiative has been running in the UK since 2013 and in China in 2019, but this year marks the first time the initiative is recognising talent globally across the UK, US and India. It has championed over 165 talented newcomers in its history, including actors Letitia Wright, Florence Pugh, Josh OConnor, Malachi Kirby, Ray Panthaki and Molly Windsor, reality television producer Coco Jackson, composer Segun Akinola, game producer Dan Gray, and directors Rose Glass, Stella Corradi, Destiny Ekaragha and Michael Pearce. Previous Breakthrough alumni have gone on to flourish within their respective disciplines, with over 50% going on to become BAFTA Winners and Nominees.Siddharth Roy Kapur, BAFTA Breakthrough India juror, said, "There is such depth of talent in India with an incredible diversity of life experience and very often this talent does not find an outlet to shine, without access to those who can facilitate and encourage them. The BAFTA Breakthrough India programme will give emerging talent unprecedented opportunities to connect with and learn from the very best in the world. I was proud to be part of such an intensive, well intentioned and substantive jury deliberation process, with all my fellow jurors having taken the time and effort to review each candidate so closely. The final selection was difficult because there was so much outstanding talent to choose from, but I am incredibly excited with the final list of chosen honourees, each of whom I believe has the ability to make their mark on the global stage in the years to come. "The final list of honourees will be announced in early May 2021.

Madhya Pradesh police book two Netflix India officials for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through a web series

24 Nov 2020

An FIR was registered against two officials of the streaming platform Netflix India in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly hurting religious sentiments through the web series A Suitable Boy. The series directed by Mira Nair shows kissing scenes on the premises of a temple.Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said that the FIR has named Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content (Netflix) and Ambika Khurana, Director, Public Policies (Netflix). The complaint was filed by Bhartaiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BYJM) national secretary Gaurav Tiwari who demanded apology from Netflix India and the makers of the series and removal of objectionable scenes which he stated were also "encouraging love jihad".Kissing scenes (filmed) inside a temple of Lord Maheshwar (a historic town located on the banks of Narmada in Madhya Pradesh) have hurt the sentiments of Hindus. This is also encouraging love jihad, Tiwari had stated.Home Minister Mishra in a video said, I had asked officials to examine the series A Suitable Boy being streamed on Netflix to check if kissing scenes in it were filmed in a temple and if it hurt religious sentiments. The examination prima facie found that these scenes are hurting the sentiments of a particular religion.On the basis of a complaint filed by Gaurav Tiwari, an FIR is being registered under section 295 (A) (malicious acts to outrage and insulting the religious feelings and beliefs) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in Rewa against Netflix officials- Monika Shergill and Ambika Khurana," he added.The six part series is an adaptation of the book A Suitable Boy written by Vikram Seth. The series has been directed by renowned filmmaker Mira Nair who has made films like Salaam Bombay, Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake.

Mira Nair reveals she wanted Irrfan Khan to play Nawab of Baitar in A Suitable Boy

29 Oct 2020

Actor Irrfan Khan's unfortunate demise six months ago, was not a loss just for India, but for world cinema. In 2006, Irrfan Khan had given a memorable performance in Mira Nair's film The Namesake. So, when A Suitable Boy directed by Mira Nair dropped on Netflix last week, it was difficult to not look for him through the series.Irrfan Khan was to be a part of the series, which is a screen adaptation of Vikram Seth's novel of the same name. However, the actor later dropped out owing to his health. Talking to a tabloid, Mira Nair said that she had reached out to him as she wanted him to play the Nawab of Baitar. She said that she had tapered the role so that it does not get too hectic for the actor.Mira said that it was disappointing to not have Irrfan in her passion project, whom she considered one of her trusted collaborators. The role of Nawab of Baitar was eventually essayed by Aamir Bashir.Irrfan Khan passed away on April 29 in Mumbai after battling neuroendocrine tumour for nearly two years. The actor is survived by his wife and two kids.

Mira Nair coaxes Shimit Amin out of retirement after 11 years

24 Oct 2020

Remember the extraordinarily talented director Shimit Amin? His main claim to fame is Chak De the iconic hockey flick with Shah Rukh Khan in 2007. Thereafter, Shimit, who made his directorial debut in the Ram Gopal Varma production Abb Tak Chappan in 2004, directed Rocket Singh Salesmanof The Year in 2009.Nothing was heard of Shimit since then except in connection with Mira Nair who not only considers Shimit a dear friend. But also a talent to reckon with. Way back in 2013, Mira told me she was trying to persuade Shimit to return to acting. But it didnt work out. Shimit was busy helping his wife with her directorial debut, a film entitled Girls .But now 11 years after Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year, Shimit is back at direction, albeit just one episode of Mira Nairs series A Suitable Boy.It is believed that Shimit will very soon return to full-fledged direction. Says Mira Nair, This (one episode of A Suitable Boy) is a new start. I had persuaded Shimit to edit my film The Reluctant Fundamentalist in 2014.

Mira Nairs A Suitable Boy starring Tanya Maniktala, Tabu, Ishaan Khatter to premiere on Netflix on October 23

9 Oct 2020

Earlier today, Netflix announced the date for its upcoming series A Suitable Boy. Set in a newly independent India of 1951, it brings together a powerhouse of talent, entwined in Mira Nairs excellence. A Suitable Boy is based on Vikram Seths bestselling book of the same name. After being aired by the BBC in the UK and Ireland, the series is all set for its global release on Netflix on October 23, 2020 (excluding America, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and China).The compelling series traces the journey of Lata, a passionate literature student, and her meddling mothers wish to choose her a husband. Torn between family duty and the excitement of romance, Lata embarks on a journey of love and heartache as three very different men try to win her heart. Also threatening to break with tradition is the charming but directionless Maan Kapoor, whose romantic entanglements begin to jeopardize his fathers political career. As Lata and Maan attempt to shape their futures, India too is coming of age. Only a few years after independence from British colonial rule, tensions are high as its people prepare to campaign for and vote in their first democratic general election.Directed and executive produced by Mira Nair, the cast includes Tabu, Ishaan Khatter, Tanya Maniktala, Rasika Dugal, Mahira Kakkar, Ram Kapoor, Gagan Dev Riar, Vivek Gomber, Vivaan Shah, Shahana Goswami, Mikhail Sen, Namit Das, Danesh Razvi, Joyeeta Dutta, Shubham Saraf, Randeep Hooda, Aamir Bashir, Ranvir Shorey, Vijay Varma, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Vinay Pathak, Manoj Pahwa, and Vijay Raaz.

Mira Nair honoured at The TIFF Tribute Awards; Tabu presents the award

18 Sep 2020

Filmmaker Mira Nair was recently honoured in a virtual ceremony of the Toronto International Film Festival's Tribute Awards. The award was presented by actress Tabu who has worked with the filmmaker in the 2006 film The Namesake and the recently released series A Suitable Boy.Receiving the award, Nair said, "When I work, it feels like fun, so I want to thank TIFF for giving me an award to have my fun and to be a part of the extraordinary privilege of being able to make cinema."Tabu and Mira reunited after 14 years for A Suitable Boy. The series is an adaptation of a book by Vikram Seth. The period piece is set in the 1950s of India and also features Ishaan Khatter and Tanya Maniktala. In a recent interview, Tabu said that she was glad that Nair remained unchanged at heart. Tabu said that Mira keeps collaborating with people she has worked with earlier. The actress called her a rock who will never move.

Namit Das to debut as music composer with Mira Nairs show, A Suitable Boy

17 Jan 2020

Namit Das has starred in films like Wake Up Sid Pataakha Sui Dhaaga , and many others. The actor is not only popular in cinema, but on platforms like television, webspace, and theatre. He is also an aspiring filmmaker. And apart from these talents, there is one more skill that Namit has kept hidden from the world which is his love for making music. Namits father, Chandan Dass is a noted musician, and the actor has inherited this talent. Now, he is all set to showcase his skills to the world. Namit will be seen in filmmaker Mira Nairs show, A Suitable Boy.For this, he has composed not one but three songs. These tracks, which go with the familial theme, will be used in the show at pivotal points. The artist has always been drawn to music and also works on making his own independent music with his bandmate Anurag Shanker. The duo is making independent music for five years now. Talking about the significance of music in his life, Namit says, When I was growing up, music would always be a part of all the activities we did as a family. My father is a singer and I too have trained in classical singing. I love acting but it gets time-consuming to jump from one character to another at times. I do make time for my band with Anurag Shanker but this is a different dimension of making music which I am really excited about. Now, with A Suitable Boy, I not only get to act but also explore a dream of mine to create music. The theme of the show is so unique that it was a challenge and I had a ball doing it. A Suitable Boy stars Ishaan Khatter and Tabu. ALSO READ: Ishaan Khatter is in awe of Tabu in the first look of A Suitable Boy

Aamir Bashir becomes the latest addition to the star cast of Mira Nairs A Suitable Boy

13 Dec 2019

Aamir Bashir, who was last seen in Inside Edge 2, is one of the finest and underrated actors of the industry. His work as Bhaisaab in the series was quite a pivotal one and his performance did garner a lot of appreciation from the audience and critics alike. Now, he has been roped in for Mira Nairs upcoming six-part series, A Suitable Boy with Tabu and Ishaan Khatter in lead roles. The series is based on Vikram Seths namesake novel and Mira Nair is one of the best directors has roped in quite an ensemble cast that includes Vinay Pathak, Rasika Duggal, and Vijay Verma among the others. Aamir Bashir was very happy to join the cast and portray the role of Nawab Sahib of Baitar in this Mira Nairs directorial. The actor couldnt stop praising Vikram Seths work and is honoured to be a part of this project. Were too excited to watch the Mira Nairs version of Vikram Seths novel!

A Suitable Boy: Ishaan Khatter, Tabu, Mira Nair begin shooting

14 Oct 2019

After an impressive performance in Majid Majidis Beyond The Clouds and a successful Bollywood debut with Dhadak , Ishaan Khatter has been taking it slow and steady. He recently started shootingfor his next, Mira Nairs A Suitable Boy.The film, based on Vikram Seths novel with the same name, will be divided in six parts and will be distributed by BBC Studios. The film, reportedly, is about free India and its people. As it went on floors, Ishaan shared a photo of Mira and co-star Tabu. He called them both powerhouses, and we cant agree more. Check out the photo below. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3jWdtiDRWu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading View this post on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3jWdtiDRWu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading ..and a new journey commences ???? powerhouses! A post shared by https://www.instagram.com/ishaankhatter/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading Ishaan (@ishaankhatter) on Oct 13, 2019 at 1:52am PDT Ishaan, in the film, will be playing Maan Kapoor, a young and free-spirited boy who gradually gets into a notional conflict with his politician father. Its not only my pleasure but an honour to be working on this illustrious material alongside such distinguished artists and technicians led by the indomitable Mira Nair. I hope I can satisfy her vision and give the global audience the character they deserve in Maan, he wrote, when he announced the film in August this year. Tabu, on the other hand, earlier collaborated with Mira Nair for The Namesake. A Suitable Boy film is supposed to be out sometime in 2020.