Indian Women Directors

The daughter of yesteryear actor Jeetendra, Ekta Kapoor has revolutionized the Hindi tele-serial scene with her daily soaps. Known for her fascination with the letter “K”, the Padma Shri-winning Balaji Telefilms founder has produced iconic soaps such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and films such as Ragini MMS.

National Award- and Filmfare-winning actor Neena Gupta is best known for films such as Badhaai Ho and Woh Chokri. She had played Priya Kapoor in Saans, a serial directed by her. She has also been in the news for her affair with West Indian cricketer Viv Richards, with whom she had a daughter.

Hema Malini is an Indian actress, writer, director, dancer, producer, and politician. She was one of the leadings actresses of Hilndi films during 1970s and 1980s. Hema Malini is also known for her association with social causes; she is a supporter of organizations like PETA India. Her life and career have inspired three biographical books so far.

Farah Khan was not a stranger to films, being the daughter of a stuntman/filmmaker and a first cousin of actor/director Farhan Akhtar. Initially wanting to be a director, she focused on choreography later. The National Award- and Filmfare-winning choreographer is known for her work in films such as Dabangg and Koi... Mil Gaya.

The daughter of legendary actor-director Aparna Sen, Konkona Sen Sharma is a two-time National Award-winning actor. She has impressed audiences with her performances in films such as Mr. and Mrs. Iyer and Wake Up Sid and has also delivered an award-winning directorial venture, A Death in the Gunj.

Revathi was discovered by director Bharathi Raja when he chanced upon a photo of hers, clicked at a school fashion show and later featured on a magazine cover. The three-time National Award-winning actor is known for movies such as Mitr, My Friend and Thevar Magan. She is also a talented Bharatanatyam dancer.

Asha Parekh is an Indian actress best known for her work in the Hindi film industry. Parekh was one of the most successful and highest-paid actresses of the 1960s and 1970s. She is also regarded as one of the most influential Bollywood actresses of all time. In 1992, she was honored with India's fourth-highest civilian award, the Padma Shri.

Born to painter Jatin Das and author Varsha Das, Nandita Das was initially associated with NGOs. She later proved herself to be a fine actor and director. She has impressed audiences with her socially relevant films such as Fire and Bawandar and has also spearheaded the Dark is Beautiful campaign.

Apart from being the daughter of Indian megastar Rajinikanth, Aishwarya R. Dhanush is also the wife of actor Dhanush. She is a singer and director in her own right, too, and directed her husband in the movie 3. She was also nominated for a Filmfare for the song Un Mela Aasadhan.