screenwriter and producer, Govind Nihalani, was born on December 19, 1940 in Karachi in the pre-independence India. He completed his graduation in Cinematography from Shree Jaya Chamrajendra Polytechnic which is presently known as Government Film and Television Institute (Bangalore).
when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type area specimen book It has survived not only five centuries.but also the leap introduce electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.
Willum Skeener
Govind Nihalani has closely worked with many legendary personalities like V K Murthy, Shyam Benegal(Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika, Junoon and Kalyug) and Richard Attenborough(Gandhi, 1982).
Govind Nihalani’s debut directorial venture was “Aakrosh,” featuring a stellar cast including Om Puri, Amrish Puri, Smita Patil, and Naseeruddin Shah. The film, based on a play by Vijay Tendulkar, gained significant acclaim and attention at the International Film Festival of India.
Nihalani’s next was “Ardh Satya, based on a story written by S D Panwalkar” which proved to be a path breaking film in Indian film history and enjoyed immense commercial and critical acclaim. Another notable film directed by Nihalani, “Hazar Chaurasi Ki Ma,” drew inspiration from a book penned by Mahasweta Devi.
Govind Nihalani’s TV series “Tamas,” adapted from Bhishma Sahani’s novel of the same name, stands out as one of the most profound depictions of the partition on screen. Offering a glimpse into the heart of darkness, this gritty and somewhat unsettling work is considered the artistic zenith of the filmmaker.
Govind Nihalani continued his journey with more socially relevant and critically acclaimed movies like Drishti(1990), Pita(1991), Rukmavati ki haveli(1991), Drohkal(1994), Takshak(1999) Deham (2001), Dev (2004), Kamlu Happy Happy, and Ti ani Itar (2017). Kamlu Happy Happy is is a 3D animated movie for the kids.
Govind Nihalani received his first National Film Award for his work in Junoon(1979), he received 5 more National Film Awards for his work in Aakrosh (1980), Ardh Satya (1983), Drishti (1990), Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1997) and Tamas (1987).
He also received 6 Filmfare awards Best Cinematographer for Junoon & Vijeta, Best Director for Aakrosh and Ardh Stya, Best Movie For Ardh Stya and Best Movie(critics) for Dev.
In 2002, Govind Nihalani was honored with Padma Shri by Government of India.
