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Shekhar Kapur

Shekhar Kapur

Shekhar Kapur made his directorial debut with the film MASOOM (THE INNOCENT) in 1985. The success of MASOOM quickly established him as one the leading directors in Hindi cinema. Four years later, he directed the fantasy MR. INDIA, which was a huge hit in India, and which has since become a cult classic. Both MASOOM and MR. INDIA were winners of major awards in India.

In 1994, Kapur's controversial film BANDIT QUEEN received international acclaim when it was presented in the Directors Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival. Kapur attracted massive media attention with the film and, despite an initial ban by the Indian government, BANDIT QUEEN went on to be released in several countries. BANDIT QUEEN was selected by Time Magazine as one of the Ten Best Films of the Year.

Kapur grew up in India, moving to England in 1970. Although he intended to become a chartered accountant, he soon developed an interest in photography and film. He took small acting parts in a number of films; and, later, took the lead in four major movies before moving behind the camera as a director. He also served as a talk-show host on the Channel 4 series ON THE OTHER HAND; and produced a number of television commercials.

His next directorial project is LONG WALK TO FREEDOM, the film biography of Nelson Mandela. Screenwriter William Nicholson has adapted Mandela's 1994 autobiography of the same name, and Anant Singh is producing. The film is scheduled for release in the fall of 1999.

Kapur is also planning to direct DARK GRACE, for Intermedia Films and Mirage Enterprises.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2002.

Shekhar Kapur Facts

OccupationDirector
BirthplaceLahore, Pakistan

Selected Filmography

Elizabeth
Elizabeth: The Golden Age
The Four Feathers
Elizabeth Double Feature
New York, I Love You
Atonement / Pride & Prejudice / Jane Eyre / Elizabeth Four Feature Films
The Royal Collection
Bandit Queen
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