Nirad N. Mahapatra

Nirad N. Mohapatra (12 November 1947 - 19 February 2015) was an Indian film director. Nirad was born in the Indian state of Odisha. His father was a freedom fighter during Birtish Raj, journalist and later entered politics in independent India. His mother was a teacher in school. He was the eldest of 7 siblings. The foundation to Nirad's value system was laid with this background. He was also exposed to rural and urban life while growing up. All this made him very aware of the realities of middle class life. His interest in cinema was kindled from his childhood days and further strengthened by the cinema theater very near his house in Bhadrak, Odisha. He was a good observer of human nature and relationship and strived to understand the same. In years to come, his film and body of work would reflect the same sensitivity. Nirad completed Bachelor in Arts in 1967 and enrolled for postgraduate studies in Political Science, but discontinued it to pursue his love for cinema. He joined the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune (Film and Television Institute of India) Direction Course, 1968. He was admired for a keen understanding of the theory of cinema. In 1971, he graduated with a first class diploma in film direction. In 1972-1974 joined as a faculty of film direction in FTII as a lecturer. In 1984, Nirad made Maya Miriga- his first feature film. The film dealt with the ever potent issue of those times (it is still relevant today) - the joint family, aspirations of its members, and its breaking up. This directorial debut went on to bag many honours and accolades. It was adjudged the second best National Film in 1984, Indian Panorama. It was adjudged the Best Third World Film at International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg (then West Germany). It received the Special jury award at Hawaii International Film Festival, US. It was selected for the 'Critics Week' of Cannes Film Festival (France), BFI London Film Festival, Locarno Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Festival and other International Film Festivals. In 1985, he was invited to visit four US Universities to lecture on films. After that, he primarily concentrated on documentaries.