Anil Mehta Biography: Anil Mehta is a renowned Indian cinematographer, film director, and writer who has made significant contributions to the Hindi film industry. Born in India, Mehta has worked on numerous acclaimed films, earning him recognition as one of the most talented visual storytellers in Bollywood.
Early Life And Education
Anil Mehta's childhood was spent in various cities, including Calcutta, Hyderabad, Gwalior, and Delhi. His decision to pursue a career in the film industry was inspired by the 1965 American musical film "The Sound of Music". After completing his graduation from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Mehta moved to Mumbai and began working in advertisements.
Anil Mehta Age, Height, Wiki, Biography, Career, Net Worth, Movies
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Anil Mehta |
| Profession | Cinematographer, Film Director, Writer |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly available |
| Birthplace | India (specific location not mentioned) |
| Education | Studied cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, graduated in 1986 |
| Early Career | Worked with Ketan Mehta on Holi (1984) and Mirch Masala (1987). Assisted Barun Mukherjee on television commercials. |
| Debut as Cinematographer | The Cloud Door (1984, short film) |
| First Full-Length Film | Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) - also Sanjay Leela Bhansali's directorial debut. |
| Awards | Won National Film Award for Best Cinematography for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999). |
| Notable Films | Lagaan (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Veer-Zaara (2004), Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), Wake Up Sid (2009), Rockstar (2011), Cocktail (2012), Highway (2014), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) |
| Directorial Debut | Aaja Nachle (2007) - produced by Yash Raj Films, featuring Madhuri Dixit. |
| Founding Member | Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC), established in 1995. |
| Key Traits | Patience and active listening, essential for effective collaboration in filmmaking. |
| Influences | Inspired by cinematographers Subrata Mitra and V.K. Murthy, and director Satyajit Ray. |
| Recent Works | Darlings (2022), Jersey (2022), Thank You for Coming (2023). |
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Mehta's early years in the industry were marked by challenges, but he persevered and eventually worked on the short film "The Cloud Door" by Mani Kaul in 1994. His big break came in 1996 when Sanjay Leela Bhansali offered him the cinematography for "Khamoshi: The Musical," starring Salman Khan.
Acclaimed Cinematography
Mehta's talent as a cinematographer quickly gained recognition. In 1999, he won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography for his work on "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam". He went on to collaborate with renowned directors on several critically acclaimed films, including "Lagaan" (2001), "Kal Ho Naa Ho" (2003), "Veer-Zaara" (2004), "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (2006), "Wake Up Sid" (2009), "Rockstar" (2011), "Cocktail" (2012), "Highway" (2014), and "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" (2016).
Directing Debut And Beyond
In addition to his cinematography work, Mehta made his directorial debut in 2007 with "Aaja Nachle," starring Madhuri Dixit Nene in her comeback film. Although he initially did not plan to direct, the script appealed to him, and the film was produced by Yash Raj Films.
Mehta's versatility extends beyond cinematography and directing. He has also written the story for the 2002 film "Agni Varsha," starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jackie Shroff. His filmography includes a wide range of genres, from romantic dramas to thrillers, showcasing his ability to adapt to different storytelling styles.
Collaborations And Accolades
Throughout his career, Mehta has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Varun Dhawan. His work has been praised for its technical excellence and visual flair, and he has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations.
Founding Member of ISC
In addition to his individual achievements, Mehta is also one of the founding members of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC), formed in 1995. The organization aims to promote and support the art of cinematography in India.
Teaching Experience
Anil Mehta has over 36 years of teaching experience, having taught M.Phil, Post Graduate, and Graduate classes. He has also worked as a Vice Principal at the University Maharani's College in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Patience And Active Listening
Mehta attributes patience and active listening as two of the key traits of a good cinematographer. He believes that these qualities allow him to collaborate effectively with directors and actors to bring their vision to life on the screen.
Inspiration And Influence
Mehta has cited the work of Indian cinematographer Subrata Mitra, who collaborated with director Satyajit Ray, as a major influence on his own style. He has also been inspired by the contrasting styles of cinematographer V.K. Murthy, who worked with Ray.
Legacy and Impact
Anil Mehta's contributions to Indian cinema have left an indelible mark on the industry. His visually stunning films have captivated audiences and inspired generations of filmmakers. As a mentor and teacher, he has also played a crucial role in shaping the careers of aspiring cinematographers and directors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anil Mehta
1. Who is Anil Mehta?
Anil Mehta is an Indian cinematographer, film director, and writer known for his significant contributions to Hindi cinema. He is one of the founding members of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC) and has worked on many acclaimed films, including Lagaan, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
2. What are Some Notable Films Anil Mehta has Worked on?
Anil Mehta has worked on several notable films, including:
- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
- Lagaan (2001)
- Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
- Veer-Zaara (2004)
- Wake Up Sid (2009)
- Rockstar (2011)
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
3. What Awards has Anil Mehta Received?
Anil Mehta won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999. He has received multiple nominations and awards throughout his career for his cinematography work.
4. When did Anil Mehta Make his Directorial Debut?
Anil Mehta made his directorial debut with Aaja Nachle, which was released on November 30, 2007. The film marked the comeback of actress Madhuri Dixit.
5. What Inspired Anil Mehta to Pursue A Career in Filmmaking?
Anil Mehta was inspired to pursue a career in filmmaking after watching the American musical film The Sound of Music in 1965. This film sparked his interest in the art of storytelling through visuals.
6. Where did Anil Mehta Study Cinematography?
Anil Mehta studied cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, graduating in 1986.
7. What are some key traits of Anil Mehta as a Cinematographer?
Anil Mehta emphasizes patience and active listening as essential traits for a good cinematographer. These qualities help him collaborate effectively with directors and actors to bring their visions to life.
8. Has Anil Mehta Worked in Any Recent films?
Yes, Anil Mehta has worked on recent films such as Darlings (2022) and Jersey (2022), showcasing his ongoing contributions to the film industry.