Mira Nair

“If we don't tell our own stories, no one else will.” Mira Nair is an acclaimed director known for her impactful documentaries and feature films that address controversial topics. After studying at the University of Delhi, she transferred to Harvard University, where she developed an interest in documentary filmmaking. Her first documentary, Jama Masjid Street Journal (1979), focused on a traditional Muslim community, followed by gritty works like Children of a Desired Sex (1987) and India Cabaret (1985), which explored patriarchal society and the lives of aging striptease dancers. Nair transitioned to feature films with Salaam Bombay! (1988), telling the story of a street boy using non-professional actors. She continued with Mississippi Massala (1991), which depicted a love affair between an Indian woman and an African American man. Nair faced controversy in 1997 over Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love, resulting in a legal battle with Indian censors. Her notable films include Monsoon Wedding (2001), Vanity Fair (2004), and The Namesake (2006), which explored themes of identity and immigration. Later works include the biopic Amelia (2009), The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012), and Queen of Katwe (2016), about a Ugandan chess prodigy. Most recently, she directed five episodes of the miniseries A Suitable Boy (2020), adapted from Vikram Seth's novel. Nair's diverse body of work has established her as a significant voice in cinema, tackling social issues with depth and authenticity.