Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Biography

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra was born on July 7, 1963, in Delhi, India. Growing up in the bustling capital, he developed a keen interest in storytelling and cinema, though he initially ventured into the advertising industry. Mehra is now regarded as one of India's most visionary filmmakers, known for his ability to weave powerful narratives that blend social commentary with human emotions.

Mehra pursued his education at Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University. His exposure to diverse cultures and ideas during his youth heavily influenced his work.

Career

1. Early Career in Advertising
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra began his professional journey in advertising. He founded his production house, Flicks Motion Picture Company, in 1986, producing over 250 commercials for leading brands. This phase honed his visual storytelling skills and set the stage for his transition to filmmaking.

2. Entry into Filmmaking
Mehra made his directorial debut with Aks (2001), a psychological thriller starring Amitabh Bachchan and Manoj Bajpayee. Though the film received mixed reviews, it showcased Mehra's experimental approach to storytelling and his focus on exploring unconventional themes.

Major Works

1. Rang De Basanti (2006)
This was Mehra's breakthrough film that established him as a prominent director. The movie, starring Aamir Khan and an ensemble cast, became a cultural phenomenon. It highlighted youth activism and patriotism while drawing parallels between India's freedom struggle and contemporary socio-political issues. The film was India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.

2. Delhi-6 (2009)
A semi-autobiographical film, Delhi-6 drew inspiration from Mehra's own experiences growing up in Old Delhi. The movie explored themes of cultural identity, communal harmony, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of the vibrant yet chaotic streets of Delhi.

3. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
This biographical sports drama, based on the life of Indian sprinter Milkha Singh, was a critical and commercial success. Starring Farhan Akhtar in the lead role, the film won numerous awards, including the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Mehra's direction brought the legend of Milkha Singh to life, inspiring millions.

4. Mirzya (2016)
Mehra ventured into folklore-inspired cinema with Mirzya, a modern retelling of the tragic love story of Mirza-Sahiban. While the film received praise for its visual grandeur and music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, it did not perform well commercially.

5. Toofaan (2021)
Toofaan, starring Farhan Akhtar, marked Mehra’s return to sports dramas. The film delved into themes of redemption and resilience through the story of a street fighter turned professional boxer. Released on Amazon Prime Video, it received mixed reviews but was appreciated for its strong performances.

Awards and Recognition

• National Film Awards
  • Best Popular Film for Rang De Basanti and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
• Filmfare Awards
  • Best Film and Best Director for Rang De Basanti
• Recognized at international film festivals for his impactful storytelling.