What are some reasons directors might pass on well-known actors for certain roles, even if they are highly talented?

Well known film makers rejected known actors for iconic movies.

Fear : Kishore Kumar , known Indian singer-actor, was supposed to play lead role in Anand.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee happily signed him for this good movie.

But, at the last moment, Kishore Kumar developed cold feet. He turned bald.

Regretfully, Hrishikesh Mukherjee replaced him with Rajesh Khanna, a promising actor.

Quirk : Prakash Mehra was all set to sign Raj Kumar for Zanjeer.

But, Raj Kumar was known for his unpredictable behavior.

He mocked Prakash Mehra for his dress sense and hair oil.

No wonder, Prakash Mehra took it as an offence and replaced him with Amitabh Bachchan.

Injury : Vidhu Vinod Mehra wanted Shahrukh Khan to play lead in Munna Bhai MBBS.

But, Shahrukh Khan got injured in another shooting.

Reluctantly , Vidhu Vinod Mehra replaced Shahrukh Khan with Sanjay Dutt.

Perhaps : Twist of fate !

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

Who are some females among popular Hindi film directors?

 Zoya Akhtar

Gully Boy starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt has been one of the most successful films of Zoya Akhtar after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The flick based on real life rappers Divine and Naezy was indeed an original attempt which received positive reviews from the audience. Zoya has also worked as a writer and assistant director for hits like Talaash and Dil Chahta Hai respectively.

Meghna Gulzar

If you haven’t seen the Alia Bhatt starrer, Raazi, you may fail to appreciate the filmmaking skills of renowned lyricist and poet Gulzar’s daughter Meghna. She has revamped the standards of filmmaking with real topics in the said film and others such as Talvar. Her upcoming film Chhapaak starring Deepika Padukone is based on real life acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

Ashwiny has donned the filmmaker’s hat for films like Nil Battey Sannata, Bareilly Ki Barfi and now the upcoming Kangana Ranaut starrer Panga. She is the wife of Dangal director Nitish Tiwari. Her films revolve around small town narratives and often tries to put reality unfiltered onscreen.

Alankrita Shrivastava

Alankrita is an independent Indian filmmaker who made her debut with Turning 30!!!, however, it was the critically acclaimed Lipstick Under My Burkha that gave her the recognition she deserved. A film that revolves around the lives of four women featuring Aahana Kumra, Konkona Sen Sharma, Plabita Borthakur and Ratna Pathak Shah was a favourite among movie buffs. Her upcoming film Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare also revolves around women in lead featuring Konkona Sen Sharma and Bhumi Pednekar.

Nandita Das

Nandita Das is an all-rounder. She has starred in all kinds of films across the globe. Be it regional cinema or mainstream flicks, she is one powerful woman who has been true to her profession. Her recent achievement was as the filmmaker for Manto, which is the biographical drama film about the famous Urdu author Saadat Hasan Manto.

Reema Kagti

Reema has worked as an assistant director for films like Lagaan and Dil Chahta Hai. As a director she made her debut with the multi-starrer Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. She further received recognition for her film Talaash: The Answer Lies Within featuring Aamir Khan which was also a hit. Her last seen flick was the Akshay Kumar starrer Gold.

Gauri Shinde

With only two films (English Vinglish, Dear Zindagi) in her career as a director, Gauri Shinde is an extraordinary woman. She made her debut with English Vinglish which was the late actress Sridevi’s comeback onscreen. The film is still considered as one of the top celluloids with a woman in the lead.

Shonali Bose

National Film Award winner Shonali Bose has done few films which include Margarita with a Straw that is a mandatory name in Indian films that executed same sex relationship on the big screen. Her upcoming film is called The Sky Is Pink starring Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim.

Aparna Sen

Aparna Sen is a National Awarding winning actor, filmmaker and screenwriter who is popularly known for her work in Bengali cinema. She made her directorial debut with 36 Chowringhee Lane, produced by Shashi Kapoor. She achieved consistent success with path-breaking films like Sati, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, 15 Park Avenue and The Japanese Wife to name a few.

Deepa Mehta

Best known for her film on elements trilogy – Fire, Earth, and Water, Deepa has used worked with narratives that touch upon topics ranging from homosexuality to patriarchy, to communal strife, to misogyny, to ill-treatment of widows. She has received numerous awards and accolades over the years including an Oscar nomination.

Who are the most recognized Indian film directors globally?

 There are so many Indian Directors, whose work has gained name and fame Globally

Like

Shekhar Kapur: The acclaimed director has directed iconic films like Masoom, Mr India in Bollywood while he has directed films like Elizabeth and Elizabeth: The Golden Age in Hollywood.

Ritesh Batra: He directed The Lunchbox starring Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur which won highly positive reviews form the audiences as well as the critics. He also directed Our Souls At Night starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in Hollywood.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra: He has directed films like Parinda and Eklavya: The Royal Guard in Bollywood while he directed Broken Horses in Hollywood.

Mira Nair- She directed Amelia in Hollywood and also directed the acclaimed film Salaam Bombay in Bollywood

Etc.

But Here i wanna talk about 1 Directors who changed Indian Cinema forever.

This Man proved that Indian Cinema can be more than just singing and dancing .

He introduced Realistic Cinema which gained western audience attention.

SATYAJIT RAY

Satyajit Ray was an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, graphic artist, music composer and author, widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century. Ray was born in Calcutta into a Bengali Pandit family which was prominent in the field of arts and literature.

This Man not only played a major role in placing India on the global cinematic map but his works continue to inspire a number of acclaimed filmmakers even today.

10 reasons why Ray was Praised Globally —

1— Akira Kurosawa, one of the most inspirational and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, once said this about Satyajit Ray's films:

2— Oscar Winning Director Martin Scorsese said-

I‘m also a big fan of Satyajit Ray’s body of work. The few interactions I had with Ray are memories I treasure.

3— Ray also gave India its first detective series in the form of Feluda.

4— In the form of Apu, Satyajit Ray made the entire community root for an ordinary boy through the different stages of his life.

5— He also composed the music for all his films.

Some of his original music was even used by Wes Anderson in his film The Darjeeling Limited.

6— During a time when India was used to watching running-around-trees kind of romances, Ray had the courage to sensitively portray adultery and the problems in married life in the acclaimed Charulata.

7— In 1967, Ray wrote a script for a movie entitled "The Alien". Columbia Pictures was in talks to produce it. Peter Sellers and Marlon Brando were supposed to be up for the leading roles. However, Ray was surprised to find that the script he had cowritten had already been copyrighted and the fee appropriated. Brando dropped out of the project and, though an attempt was made to bring James Coburn in to replace him, Ray was disillusioned, had enough of Hollywood machinations and returned to Calcutta. Columbia was interested in reviving the project in the 1970s and 1980s but nothing came of it. When E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) was released in 1982, many saw striking similarities in the film to Ray's earlier script. Ray himself believed that Steven Spielberg's movie "would not have been possible without my script of 'The Alien' being available throughout America in mimeographed copies." Spielberg denied this by saying, "I was a kid in high school when this script was circulating in Hollywood".

9— These 5 Hollywood Directors who have been Inspired by Satyajit Ray-

• Martin Scorsese

The legendary filmmaker who has directed classics like Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Casino, The Departed etc is a huge fan of Satyajit Ray's work and often talks about how his films have inspired him. He also cherishes his interactions with him.

• Christopher Nolan

The Dark Knight filmmaker is one of those rare directors who with every film manages to impress both the critics as well as set the box-office on fire. During his recent visit to India, he said that Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali is extraordinary and one of the best films ever made. It made him want to work with Indian directors.

• Wes Anderson

His works bear a heavy influence from Satyajit Ray who he has often cited as his inspiration. The ending of his film The Darjeeling Limited pays homage to Ray's Apu Trilogy.

• Francis Ford Coppola

The legendary filmmaker who has directed The Godfather saga, often cited as the film of all time is a huge fan of Satyajit Ray's work and cites him as a major influence in his life.

• George Lucas

The creator of the Star Wars saga called Satyajit Ray an extraordinary filmmaker whose work had a profound influence on filmmakers across the world. He called for bringing his work to the attention of young filmmakers.

Few others-

10— The first Indian to win Oscar

Some of his quotes

Sad Fact- Still Many people are unaware of him and his work.

How many Bollywood actors and directors took advantage of Madhuri Dixit, Sonashi Sinha, and Priyanka Chopra?

 Oh my, I can think of so many directors and actors that took advantage of the three lovely actresses, you’ve referred to. Oh yes, both directors and actors have taken ample advantage of the prodigious talents of Madhuri Dixit and Priyanka Chopra. Some actors and directors have even been able to take advantage of the more moderate talents of Sonakshi Sinha as well.

Let’s start off with Madhuri Dixit - she has appeared in so many awesome movies showcasing her talent! I can think of actors like Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Jackie Shroff, Sunny Deol, etc, who have benefited from Madhuri’s talents. I can also think of directors like Subhash Ghai, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajiv Rai, Rajkumar Santoshi, Yash Chopra, etc. Think about her awesome work in movies like Tezaab, Parinda, Khalnayak, Prem Pratigya, Dil To Pagal Hai, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Dil, Devdas, etc. Her directors and co-actors sure have taken advantage of Madhuri’s awesome acting skills in those movies.

Ditto with Priyanka Chopra! One can think of actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, among others. One can also think of directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Zoya Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, David Dhawan, etc. Think about her awesome work in movies like Dil Dhadakne Do, Fashion, Don, Don 2, Bajirao Mastani, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, etc. Her directors and co-actors have certainly taken advantage of PeeCee’s awesome acting skills in those movies.

It’s probably been a bit harder to take advantage of Sonakshi Sinha’s talents, when compared with Madhuri and Priyanka Chopra. But still, some directors and actors have pulled that off. Actors like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh have certainly been able to do that. And, directors like Prabhu Deva and Vikramaditya Motwane (especially) have done so better than others.

So there you go - I trust this lengthy list of names will suffice. I must say that I did take the liberty to add the word "Talent" in the question. Seemed like the word was omitted from the original question. Quite unintentional, I’m sure! But no matter, I corrected it for you.

All images were obtained from the IMDB pages of the three actresses (Madhuri Dixit, Priyanka Chopra, and Sonakshi Sinha).

Who are the successful female movie directors in India?

 

(Image courtesy : Indian Friends Online Community|Social Network India|Indian Student )

Vijaya Nirmala in Telugu

She directed more than 20 successful commercial movies (Telugu) besides acting in scores of others as a heroine. See the link :

Vijaya Nirmala - Wikipedia

B.V.Nandini Reddy

Another notable woman director in Telugu is B.V. Nandini Reddy who bagged several awards like the Nandi Award, SIIMA Award etc. for her directorial prowess. See the link :

B. V. Nandini Reddy - Wikipedia

N. Savithri

The most illustrious and unforgettable Telugu actress of the past generations, late Smt N. Savithri Ganesan (1936 - 1981) gaaru was not only a film director but also an enterprising producer too. She personally produced and directed such salutary entertainers like Chinnari Paapalu, Chiranjeevi, Maathru Devatha,Vintha Samsaram etc. See the link :

Savitri (actress) - Wikipedia

Revathi

Revathi (original name : Asha) is another woman film maker from the South who contributed significantly to the Indian cinema. To her credit, she directed films in English, Malayalam and Hindi. See the link :

Revathi - Wikipedia

Who are some notable Indian film directors?

 

Most notable director - RAJ KHOSLA

If you want to watch an immersive family drama directed by the great Raj Khosla with a very young Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz, then switch of your room lights, switch off your mobile and switch on your iPad/laptop/TV and silently watch Do Raste with rapt attention. This fantastic movie was released in 1969.

You must see Do Raste ( 1969) , if you want to see Rajesh Khanna, just before he attained superstardom, if you want to know why Balraj Sahni was the masterclass of acting and if you want to experience the brilliance of Raj Khosla’s direction.

This is the story that will touch you, since it is the story of every average family in India, where there is an undercurrent of unease when a scheming Bindu, enters the house as the ultramodern daughter-in-law and drives a wedge between Prem Chopra, her husband, and the brothers. This movie was the original template for all Bindu’s vampish roles.

Sholay’s Mausi gives advice to Bindu ( the eternal vamp)

Bindu and Leena Mishra ( who Leena Mishra ? The Mausi Ji of Sholay fame )👆

The young , still to be a superstar, Rajesh Khanna shows all the patented mannerisms of blinking eyes and head nodding, that would make the country go crazy in later years.

A fresh Rajesh with alluring Mumtaz

Mumtaz got her first lead role in this film, after playing second fiddle in many movies including being paired with a much older Dara Singh, before being picked by Raj Khosla for Do Raste.

Chup gaye sare nazare !!

“chup gaye sare nazare” 👆

The biggest hit song, Bindiya Chamkagi was picturised on Mumtaz, and in 1969 the audience used to erupt with joy on seeing her joyous face on the silver screen.

The craze - Bindiya chamkagi

“Bindiya chamkagi” 👆

(Don’t forget to notice the Mathematics Professor teaching Sin Cos Tan and then giggling at the prank) This movie is not only about college love, that is shown in the first half an hour ; it is much deeper. It showcases the smouldering emotions of the elder brother, Balraj Sahani, to keep the family together when the disruptive force in the form of a daughter-in-law is unleashed upon the unsuspecting mother and her three sons. Kamani Kaushal, plays the elder brother’s wife with great sensitivity. She would remind you of the stoic ladies in your family who were the shock absorbers during times of crisis.

Rajesh Khanna’s smile lights up the screen, and his brooding bearded look in the song “yeh reshami zulfe”is a treat to watch, with the dazzling Mumtaz complementing his star power.

Not many know that Rajesh Khanna, had the bearded look in a few scenes, since he was also shooting for Ittafaq at the same time, that was directed by Yash Chopra.

There are many scenes that you would relate to. One is when Rajesh Khanna lies down on the new sofa that Bindu brings from her parents house. She scolds Rajesh Khanna and says that sofa is for sitting and not lying down. How many of you have visited rich relatives to be told not to misuse the sofa in their well appointed drawing room ?

The other scene that will touch your heart when Veena, playing the mother, is on her death bed and mistakes Balraj Sahani as the younger brother Rajesh Khanna. The dialogue will bring tears to your eyes, if you have ever seen your mother or grandmother on their deathbed. Veena plays the role with great dignity and you can see the strength of her convictions during tough times.

The hilarious sing-song voice of Asit Sen replying to his wife Leena Mishra “bas tang hi to reh gaye hain” will make you laugh. I know you didn’t understand the dialogue. See the exchange between Asit Sen , the harassed husband and Leena Mishra , the domineering wife, to make your day.

In this film Prem Chopra has shown the immense range of his acting skills, and you realise what a great actor he was, but sadly the immense depth of his skills were never exploited for the rest of his career. He shows confusion, rage, love for his brothers, hidden anguish on being disliked by his mother and his compulsion to stand by his scheming wife , in many brilliant scenes in this film.

Powerful acting by Prem Chopra and great restrained craft of Balraj Sahani

Two great actors Balraj Sahni & Prem Chopra ( left) 👆

You must see this movie for the restrained acting of Balraj Sahani, the star power of Rajesh Khanna, the effervescence of Mumtaz, the strength of Veena, the screen presence of Mehmood Jr, the pathos of Kamini Kaushal, the all weather friendship of Jayant, the unrecognised helplessness of Prem Chopra, the quick repartee between Asit Sen/Leena Mishra and above all for the superb direction of Raj Khosla.

Don’t miss it.

Do you know that the Amitabh song “mere angane mein” was copied from the Jr Mehmood song in this film.

On a calm night, watch this movie and relive your youth, if you are from my generation or realise that nothing has changed in family dynamics, if you are younger.

Watch it without distractions.