Working behind the scenes as assistant director or writer seems to be the ideal ground for learning the great art of film direction.
Take Karan Johar for example. He assisted Aditya Chopra in the 1995 blockbuster Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Karan went on to become a reputed director, with a brilliant debut in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
Two of Johar's earlier assistant directors -- Soham Shah and Nikhil Advani -- have their own movies, Kaal and Salaam-e-Ishq, under their belts. And this trend shows no sign of stopping, leading to a new crop of directors with diverse backgrounds.
We take a look at some promising debutant directors, coming up with their new films.
Director: Anil Mehta
Film: Aaja Nachle
Cast: Madhuri Dixit, Kunal Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma
About the director: Anil Mehta started his Bollywood career as a cinematographer with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Khamoshi (1996). He tasted success with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), for which he won a National Award as well. His credits also include Lagaan, Veer-Zaara and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
Trivia: Yash Raj's Aaja Nachle marks Madhuri Dixit Nene's comeback after nearly six years of marital bliss. She was last seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Devdas(2002).
Text: Ameeta Gupta
Also read: The debuts of the first family of Bollywood
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