Mira Nair

Mira Nair, born on the 15th of October 1957, is a renowned Indian-American filmmaker who resides in New York City. Her production company, Mirabai Films, is celebrated for presenting powerful narratives about the economic, social, and cultural facets of Indian society to global audiences. Among her standout works are movies like Mississippi Masala, The Namesake, Monsoon Wedding-which won the Golden Lion award, and Salaam Bombay!-a film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language. Nair's early life and education unfolded in India. After graduating from Miranda House at Delhi University, Nair went on to study at Harvard University, turning down a full scholarship to Cambridge University.

Before stepping into the spotlight as a filmmaker, Nair pursued acting and performed in plays by Bengali performer, Badal Sarkar. At Harvard University, she won the Boylston Prize for her performance of Jocasta's speech from Seneca's Oedipus. She always carried a vibrant approach to her filmmaking which is embedded in rhythm and balance. Her career saw her produce a series of successful documentaries and feature films with her friend Sooni Taraporevala. Nair chose directing over other art forms because of its collaborative nature. She later directed numerous other successful films further solidifying her legacy in the filmmaking industry.