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Ashutosh Gowariker

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Ashutosh Gowariker
Gowariker at the launch of T P Aggarwal's trade magazine Blockbuster
Born (1964-02-15) 15 February 1964 (age 60)
Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
Occupation(s)Director, producer, screenwriter, actor
Years active1984–present
Spouse
​
(m. 1988)​

Ashutosh Gowariker (born 15 February 1964) is an Indian film director, actor, screenwriter and producer who works in Hindi cinema. He is known for directing films "set on a huge canvas while boasting of an opulent treatment".[1]

He is best known for helming the epic musical sports drama Lagaan (2001), the social drama Swades (2004) and the epic historical romantic drama Jodhaa Akbar (2008), winning the Filmfare Award for Best Film and Best Director for Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar.

Lagaan was nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film at the 74th Academy Awards, which makes him a voting member of the Academy Awards.[2][3] He returned to acting by playing the lead role in the critically acclaimed comedy drama Ventilator (2016).

Early life

[edit]

Ashutosh Gowariker was born on 15th February 1964 in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), and grew up in the Bandra suburb, known for its proximity to the Mumbai film industry. His father, Ashok Gowariker, was a traffic police officer until 1978, when he shifted to an export-import business in chemicals. His mother, Kishori Gowariker, is a housewife and trained classical singer, though she never pursued it professionally. Ashutosh’s sister, Ashlesha, is a solicitor who manages legal matters for his production company, Ashutosh Gowariker Productions Pvt. Ltd.

Ashutosh completed his schooling at St. Theresa’s High School in Bandra. Though not academically outstanding, he had a strong inclination towards learning. His parents hoped he would pursue a career in engineering or architecture, but after failing to secure admission to those fields, he studied Chemistry at Mithibai College. During his college years, Ashutosh developed a passion for performing arts by participating in dramatics, singing, elocution contests, and folk dance competitions. This interest solidified his desire to become an actor. He was eventually spotted during an inter-collegiate drama competition and cast in the film Holi (1984), which marked his entry into the film industry.

Career

[edit]

Actor

Gowariker started his career as an actor, making his debut in 1984 in director Ketan Mehta's picture Holi. On the Holi sets, Gowariker met Aamir Khan with whom he later went on to collaborate on different film projects . After that, he acted in several television serials, including Kacchi Dhoop (1987), Circus (1989), C.I.D. (1998) and several films, including Naam (1986), Goonj (1989), Chamatkar (1992), and Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1993). He returned to acting by playing the lead role in the critically acclaimed Marathi comedy drama Ventilator (2016), which was produced by Priyanka Chopra. Allegedly, he took about 6 months to agree to do the film.

Director

Debut

Ashutosh Gowariker made his directorial debut with the film Pehla Nasha (1993). The film was produced by his friends, Aamir Khan and Deepak Tijori, who encouraged him to step into the director's chair. Pehla Nasha marked Gowariker’s transition from acting to directing, showcasing his new role in the Indian film industry. Despite his initial foray into directing being a significant shift from his acting career, Gowariker’s passion for storytelling and his observational learning approach, where he had been assisting directors informally, played a crucial role in shaping his directorial style. His second film, Baazi (1995), also featured Aamir Khan and continued to establish his presence as a filmmaker. These early works set the stage for his future success in Indian cinema.

Breakthrough Success: "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India" (2001)

"Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India," directed by Ashutosh Gowariker and released in 2001, represents a landmark in Indian cinema. Set during the British Raj in the late 19th century, the film unfolds in a drought-stricken village where the impoverished farmers face an oppressive land tax, or lagaan, imposed by the British colonial rulers. The narrative follows Bhuvan (played by Aamir Khan), a courageous villager who challenges the British officers to a high-stakes cricket match as a means to avoid paying the tax.

The film's plot revolves around Bhuvan's effort to assemble a cricket team from among the villagers, each with their own personal struggles and skepticism. The game becomes a metaphor for the villagers' larger battle against colonial exploitation. The screenplay combines elements of historical drama, sports, and epic storytelling, delivering a unique and engaging cinematic experience.

Impact on Indian Cinema

"Lagaan" marked a significant departure from the conventional formulaic approach prevalent in Indian cinema at the time. Its innovative use of cricket as a central conflict, combined with a detailed depiction of rural Indian life and colonial oppression, offered a fresh perspective. The film’s narrative structure, characterized by its blend of historical context and dramatic sports competition, set a new benchmark for Indian films in terms of storytelling and thematic depth.

The film's success was not merely confined to the Indian box office. It achieved widespread acclaim for its originality, and its incorporation of traditional Indian values with universal themes of struggle and triumph resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. The film's critical and commercial success demonstrated that Indian cinema could produce high-quality, globally appealing content without compromising its cultural roots.

Global Recognition and Academy Award Nomination

"Lagaan" received international acclaim, further solidified by its nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. This nomination was a groundbreaking achievement for Indian cinema, showcasing its capability to compete on a global stage. The film's recognition at the Oscars was a testament to its universal appeal and the quality of Indian filmmaking.

The Academy Award nomination was not just a personal triumph for Ashutosh Gowariker and Aamir Khan but also a significant milestone for Indian cinema as a whole. It highlighted the potential for Indian films to reach global audiences and be appreciated for their artistic and narrative merits. The film's success helped pave the way for future Indian films to gain international recognition and set the stage for more diverse storytelling in Bollywood. In conclusion, Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is celebrated as a breakthrough success that bridged cultural and cinematic boundaries. Its impact on Indian cinema and its global recognition, including an Academy Award nomination, underscore its importance as a seminal work in the history of Indian and world cinema.

Ashutosh Gowariker, his wife Sunita and actor Shahrukh Khan pose for a photo with the Vehicle Assembly Building, Kennedy Space Center in the background during filming for the movie Swades

Notable Works

He next screenwrote and directed the social drama Swades (2004) starring Shahrukh Khan and debutante Gayatri Joshi in lead roles. The story of the film revolves around an NRI project manager at NASA, who returns to India to discover the challenges faced by a rural village, and dedicates himself to their development, addressing issues of education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The film received rave reviews from critics upon release, with praise for its direction, story, screenplay, soundtrack and performances of the cast. However, despite pre-release hype and good critical reception, it emerged as a commercial failure at the box office.[4] Swades earned Gowariker his second nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Film and Best Director. However, over the years, the film has achieved cult status.[5]

Gowariker's next screenwriting and directorial venture was the epic historical romantic drama Jodhaa Akbar (2008) starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles. Set in the 16th century, the film depicted the life and romance between the Muslim Emperor Akbar of Mughal Empire and the Rajput Princess Jodhaa Bai of Amber, who married him on a political marriage. It opened to widespread critical acclaim upon release, with high praise for its direction, soundtrack, cinematography, costume design, choreography and performances of the cast. The film emerged as a major commercial success at the box-office, grossing ₹115 crore (US$14 million) worldwide, ranking as the fourth highest-grossing Hindi film of the year.[6] Jodhaa Akbar earned Gowariker his second Filmfare Award for Best Film and Best Director. The film was cited as "10 Great Bollywood Films of the 21st Century" by British Film Institute.[7]

Gowariker's next venture was the romantic comedy What's Your Raashee? (2009) starring Priyanka Chopra (in 12 roles) alongside Harman Baweja.[8] Based on the Gujarati novel Kimball Ravenswood by the playwright and novelist Madhu Rye, the film told the story of a Gujarati NRI who meets twelve potential brides, one from each zodiac sign, one of whom he must marry in ten days to save his brother from harm. It had its world premiere at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival. The film opened to mixed reviews from critics upon release, with praise for its soundtrack and Chopra's performance, but criticism for its screenplay, runtime and pacing. It emerged as a below-average grosser at the box-office.[9]

His next venture was the historical action-adventure Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010) starring Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone in lead roles. The film was based on Manini Chatterjee's Do And Die: The Chittagong Uprising 1930-34, an account of the 1930 Chittagong armoury raid. It opened to mixed-to-negative reviews from critics upon release, and emerged as a commercial disaster at the box-office.[10]

After a 6-year hiatus, Gowariker made his comeback with the period action-adventure Mohenjo Daro (2016) starring Roshan (in their second collaboration) alongside debutante Pooja Hegde in lead roles.[11][12] Set in 2016 BC at the height of Indus Valley Civilisation, the film follows the story of a farmer who travels to the city of Mohenjo Daro, challenges the city's elite and fights against overwhelming odds to save the civilization. It received negative reviews from critics upon release, and emerged as Gowariker's second consecutive commercial disaster at the box-office.[13]

His next venture was the epic war drama Panipat (2019) starring Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Kriti Sanon in lead roles. The film depicts the events that took place during the Third Battle of Panipat. It received negative reviews from critics upon release, and emerged as Gowariker's third consecutive commercial disaster at the box-office.[14]

Filmography

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Director

[edit]
Year Film Director Writer Producer Notes
1993 Pehla Nasha Yes Yes No
1995 Baazi Yes Yes No
2001 Lagaan Yes Yes No Nominated – Academy Award for Best International Feature Film[15]
Filmfare Award for Best Film
Filmfare Award for Best Director
Filmfare Award for Best Story
2004 Swades Yes Yes Yes Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Film
Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Director
2008 Jodhaa Akbar Yes Yes Yes Filmfare Award for Best Film
Filmfare Award for Best Director
2009 What's Your Raashee? Yes Yes Yes
2010 Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey Yes Yes Yes Nominated – Zee Cine Award for Best Story
2014 Everest No Yes Yes TV series
2016 Mohenjo Daro Yes Yes Yes
2019 Panipat Yes Yes Yes
2022 Toolsidas Junior No Yes Yes National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi

Actor

[edit]
Year Films and television series Language Role
2024 Manvat Murders Marathi Ramakant Kulkarni[16]
2023 Kaala Paani Hindi Lt. Governor Zibran Qadri
2016 Ventilator Marathi Raja Kamerkar
1998–1999 C.I.D. Hindi Inspector Virendra
1998 Woh Hindi Ashutosh Dhar
1998 Sarkarnama Marathi
1995–2015 Aahat Hindi
1994 Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa Hindi Imran Bilal
1994 Vazir Marathi
1992 Jaanam Hindi Arun S. Rao
1992 Chamatkar Hindi Monty
1991 Indrajeet Hindi
Jeeva Sakha Marathi Nagojirao "Nagya" Patil
1989 Circus Hindi Vicky
Gawaahi Hindi Sayed Akhtar Rampuri
Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro Hindi Abdul
Kamla Ki Maut Hindi Deepak
Indradhanush Hindi Mr. Appuswamy
Ek Ratra Mantarleli Marathi Shekhar
Goonj Hindi Sammy
1988 Jaat Haryanvi
Bharat Ek Khoj (TV series), episode 10: "Gautama Buddha" Hindi Prince Siddhartha / Buddha
1987 Kachchi Dhoop Hindi
West Is West English
1986 Naam Hindi Jai Singh Kalewar
1984 Holi Hindi Ranjeet Prakash

Awards

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Film Award Category Result Ref.
Lagaan 74th Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film Nominated [17]
Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards Best Director (Hindi) Won [18]
Bergen International Film Festival The Jury's Award Won [19]
European Film Academy Best Non-European Film Nominated [20]
47th Filmfare Awards Best Film Won [21]
Best Director Won
Best Story Won
3rd IIFA Awards Best Film Won [22][23]
Best Director Won
Best Story Won
Leeds International Film Festival Audience Award Won [24]
Locarno International Film Festival Won [25]
49th National Film Awards Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment Won [26][27]
NatFilm Festival Audience Award Won [28]
Portland International Film Festival Won [29]
Screen Awards Best Film Won [30][31]
Best Director Won
Best Story Nominated
Best Screenplay Won
Best Dialogue Nominated
Zee Cine Awards Best Film Won [32][33]
Best Director Won
Best Story Won
Swades 50th Filmfare Awards Best Film Nominated [34][35]
Best Director Nominated
Zee Cine Awards Best Director (Critics) Won [36]
Best Story Won
Stardust Awards Dream Director Won
Jodhaa Akbar 54th Filmfare Awards Best Film Won [37][38]
Best Director Won
10th IIFA Awards Best Film Won [39][40]
Best Director Won
Producers Guild Film Awards Best Film Nominated [41][42]
Best Director Nominated
Golden Minbar International Film Festival Best Film – Grand Pix Won [43]
São Paulo International Film Festival Audience Award for Best Foreign Feature Film Won [44]
Screen Awards Best Film Won [45][46]
Best Director Won
Stardust Awards Best Film of the Year Nominated [47]
Best Director Nominated
Dream Director Won
V. Shantaram Awards Best Director Bronze Award Won [48]
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey Zee Cine Awards Best Story Nominated [49]
Ventilator Filmfare Marathi Awards Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Marathi Nominated

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Holding Locarno Film Festival Award".
  2. ^ Thomas, Rebecca (22 February 2005). "Picking Oscar winners - a juror's tale". BBC News. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  3. ^ The Spirit of Lagaan. Popular Prakashan. 2002. p. 18. ISBN 81-7991-003-2.
  4. ^ "Swades - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  5. ^ "It's 2020 And Swades Still Remains The Most Realistic Indian Film Made About India!". IndiaTimes. 6 May 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  6. ^ "Jodhaa Akbar - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  7. ^ "10 great Bollywood films of the 21st century". BFI. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  8. ^ "What's Your Raashee? Cast & Crew". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 29 January 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  9. ^ "What's Your Raashee - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  10. ^ "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  11. ^ "Ashutosh Gowariker: The tallest structure in Mohenjo Daro was two-storey high - Times of India". The Times of India.
  12. ^ "Ashutosh Gowariker: 'Mohenjo Daro' set in womb of time - Times of India". The Times of India.
  13. ^ "Mohenjo Daro - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  14. ^ "Panipat - Movie - Box Office India". www.boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  15. ^ The Quint (17 June 2022). "'Lagaan' Completes 21 Years, Aamir Khan, Ashutosh Gowariker & More Celebrate". Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  16. ^ "Ashutosh Gowariker to play real-life cop Ramakant Kulkarni in Manvat Murders". Bollywood Hungama. 5 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  17. ^ "The 74th Academy Awards (2002) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2011.
  18. ^ "69th & 70th Annual Hero Honda BFJA Awards 2007". 1 March 2008. Archived from the original on 1 March 2008. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
  19. ^ "Bergen International Film Festival: The Norwegian Film Institute's award for Import". Bergen International Film Festival. Archived from the original on 19 January 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  20. ^ "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time In India (2001)". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. 2016. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 13 January 2008.
  21. ^ Dixit, Rekha; Misra, Anshika (16 February 2002). "Filmfare gives Lagaan a 7-star salute". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 February 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  22. ^ Kumar, S. R Ashok (7 April 2002). "It was 'Lagaan' all the way at the IIFA awards nite". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 October 2015.[dead link]
  23. ^ Talwaar, Pooja (5 June 2015). "IIFA Rewind: 13 Years Ago in Malaysia, There Was Aamir's Lagaan". NDTV. Archived from the original on 12 September 2015. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  24. ^ "Indian film scoops top Leeds award". BBC. 16 October 2001. Archived from the original on 27 April 2015. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  25. ^ Cunha, Uma Da (13 August 2001). "Lagaan wins Audience Award at Locarno". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2012.
  26. ^ "49th National Film Awards". Directorate of Film Festivals. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2013.
  27. ^ "Lagaan sweeps national film awards". The Times of India. 27 July 2002. Archived from the original on 10 January 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2013.
  28. ^ Neiiendam, Jacob (17 April 2002). "Danish fest audience awards Lagaan distribution cash". Screen International. Archived from the original on 27 December 2015. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  29. ^ "Portland International Film Festival 2002". Northwest Film Center. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
  30. ^ "'Lagaan', 'DCH' sweep Screen awards". The Tribune. 19 January 2002. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
  31. ^ "Screen Awards 2001". Star Screen Awards. 18 January 2002. Star Plus.
  32. ^ Dubey, Bharati (11 January 2002). "Lagaan sweeps the FairGlow Zee awards". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
  33. ^ "Zee Cine Awards Video Gallery". Zee Cine Awards. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
  34. ^ "Filmfare Awards Winners From 1953 to 2019". filmfare.com. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  35. ^ Pratiyogita Darpan (May 2005). Competition Science Vision. Pratiyogita Darpan. pp. 289–.
  36. ^ Zee Cine Awards (2005) at IMDb
  37. ^ "Nominations for 54th Filmfare Awards 2009". Sify. 16 February 2009. Archived from the original on 17 June 2021. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  38. ^ "54th Idea Filmfare Awards". Filmfare Awards. 8 March 2009. SET.
  39. ^ "Nominations for the IIFA Awards 2009". Bollywood Hungama. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  40. ^ "Winners of the IIFA Awards 2009". Bollywood Hungama. 13 June 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  41. ^ "4TH APSARA PRODUCERS GUILD AWARDS NOMINEES". Apsara Awards. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  42. ^ "4TH APSARA PRODUCERS GUILD AWARDS WINNERS". Apsara Awards. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  43. ^ "Jodhaa Akbar, Hrithik win awards at Golden Minbar Film Festival in Russia". Bollywood Hungama. 23 October 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  44. ^ "Jodhaa Akbar wins 'Audience Award' at Sao Paulo International Film Festival". Bollywood Hungama. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  45. ^ "15th Star Screen Awards Nominations". Screen. Archived from the original on 21 January 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  46. ^ "Jodhaa, A Wednesday sweep 'Star Screen awards'". The Indian Express. 15 January 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  47. ^ "Winners of Max Stardust Awards 2009". Bollywood Hungama. 16 February 2009. Archived from the original on 6 September 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  48. ^ "'Taare Zameen Par' wins V Shantaram award for Best Film". Outlook. 27 December 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  49. ^ "Nominations for Zee Cine Awards 2011". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 5 January 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ashutosh Gowariker.
Awards
Filmfare Awards
Preceded by Best Director
for Lagaan
2001 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Best Story
for Lagaan
2001 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Best Director
for Jodhaa Akbar
2009 		Succeeded by
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