Shekhar Kapur is a visionary filmmaker whose unconventional and unique way of storytelling has earned him numerous honours and accolades.
A critically acclaimed Indian filmmaker known for movies like Bandit Queen and Elizabeth, Shekhar Kapur turns 79 this year. Shekhar Kapur’s career spans acting and directing several award-winning movies. Among the many accolades that Kapur has received, the BAFTA Award, a National Film Award, and a National Board of Review award are the most prestigious achievements highlighting his unique storytelling and cinematic vision. On his 79th birthday, it's fitting to look back and explore the director's best works which won him accolades.
.webp)
Shekhar Kapur made his directorial debut with ‘Masoom’, an outstanding remake of the Malayalam film ‘Olangal, and an adaptation of Erich Segal’s novel. Written by Gulzar, and with Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi in the lead roles, the film explores the lives of a married couple and their two daughters whose journey takes a different path when the man's son from an earlier affair enters the picture. The film won five accolades at the 31st Filmfare Awards, including Best Film (critics), Best Actor, Best Music Director, Best Lyricist, and Best Female Playback Singer.
Shekhar Kapur’s 1994 film ‘Bandit Queen’ follows the life and struggles of an Indian outlaw, Phoolan Devi. Although the film was banned briefly for 7 years due to several controversies surrounding its explicit and graphic content, it didn't stop Kapur from winning not one, but five awards. The movie won Best Film (critics) award, Best Director, Best Female Debut, and Best Cinematography at the 42nd Filmfare awards. It was nominated for the ‘Best Feature Film in Hindi’ award at the 43rd National Film Award.
.webp)
Immediately emerging as a critical and commercial success, Kapur's biographical, historical drama is a fictional account of the early years of Queen Elizabeth-I’s reign. Kapur was praised for movie direction, production values, and costume design. Cate Blanchett as the titular role, won her international acclaim. The film grossed $82 million against its $30 million budget.
The film premiered at the Venice International Film. It won an Academy Award for best makeup, and was nominated for Best motion picture- drama at the Golden Globe Awards amongst three other nominations. Elizabeth was also nominated for five awards at the British Academy Film Awards.
.webp)
The sequel to Kapur's 1998 film ‘Elizabeth’, Golden Age explores the later years of life and reign of Queen Elizabeth-I. Akin to the success of the first installment of the film, ‘Elizabeth- The Golden Age’ received similar fate with numerous acclamations. The film garnered $75.8 million at the box office against its $55 million budget. The fact-based biopic won an Academy Award for Best Costume, an Australian Film Institute Award for Best International Actress, and two Satellite Awards for Costume Design and Art Direction.
In 2000, Kapur was awarded with the Padma Shri, which is the fourth Hughes civilian award in India. At the international competition held at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival held 2010, Kapur served as one of the jury members. Kapur clenched the position of the President of the Film and Television Institute of India in 2020. In 2023, at the 54th International Film Festival of India, which spanned 8 days from November 20 to 28, Kapur served as the chairperson of the International competition jury.
A celebrated and popularly-acclaimed filmmaker with a unique cinematic vision, Shekhar Kapoor is an asset to the Indian film industry. Wishing him a very happy birthday, and a long and fulfilling life ahead.
 .webp)