Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
About
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, a filmmaker, screenwriter, and occasional actor is best known for writing and directing iconic films like Rang De Basanti, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Aks, Delhi-6 and more.
In 1986, he established Flicks Motion Picture Company, starting his career as an advertisement filmmaker and has directed scores of TV commercials for Indian and international clients, including Coke, Pepsi, Toyota, American Express and BPL.
Rakeysh gradually turned into a feature filmmaker and his first directorial was Aks released in 2001 starring Amitabh Bachchan, Raveena Tandon, Manoj Bajpayee and Nandita Das.
His second directorial was the multi-starrer Rang De Basanti in 2006 which was highly acclaimed, received several awards, and was also officially chosen as India's entry to the Oscars.
His film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag released in 2013 was a biopic on the life of the greatest Indian Olympian Milkha Singh and was a critical as well as major commercial success.
Some of Rakeysh’s directorial ventures include films like Delhi 6, Mirzya, Mere Pyare Prime Minister and Toofaan.
Rakeysh has done special appearances in Dear Maya and Toofaan and has also been a producer for films like Rang De Basanti, Delhi 6, Fanney Khan, Teen Thay Bhai, and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag among others.
He has also helped in giving slum dwellers their basic sanitary rights and has helped build over 200 toilets since 2018.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
- Rakeysh received the ‘Best Film’ and ‘Best Director’ at FilmFare Awards and Zee Cine Awards both and ‘Best Screenplay’ at IIFA awards for Rang De Basanti in 2007.
- He received the Nargis Dutt Award for ‘Best Feature Film’ on national integration for Delhi 6 in 2009.
- Rakeysh was conferred with the IIFA Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema’ in 2010.
- In 2014, his movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag won 2 National Film Awards for ‘Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment’ and ‘Best Choreography’, along with 7 Filmfare Awards in different categories.
- His documentary film Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story which was co-directed by Jeffery Zimbalist in 2011 was an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival.
Why Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra ?
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra emerged as a filmmaker who broke the monotony of mindless violence and NRI romance, being completely unapologetic about the roots of Hindi cinema and dared to tell original and relevant stories. With a career spanning over two decades, he has not only delivered great stories but also proven that his work extends far beyond the bounds of theatre.
