Anil Mehta is a renowned Indian cinematographer, writer, and director known for his work in Bollywood films like Hum Dil de Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, Rockstar, and more. |
He co-founded the Indian Society of Cinematographers in 1995. |
Anil Mehta was raised in a middle-class family and lived in cities like Calcutta, Hyderabad, Gwalior, and Delhi during his childhood. |
His decision to enter the film industry was influenced by watching the American film, The Sound of Music, in 1965. |
After graduating from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, he started his career by working in commercials in Mumbai. |
During his time at FTII, Anil Mehta studied the works of Indian cinematographers Subrata Mitra and V K Murthy, along with the director Satyajit Ray. |
His early struggles in the industry led him to work on the short film The Cloud Door by Mani Kaul in 1994. |
In 1994, he received a big break when Sanjay Leela Bhansali offered him the cinematography role in the film Khamoshi: The Musical. |
Anil Mehta was among the founding members of The Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC) in 1995. |
In 1999, he worked on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. |
In 2001, he worked on the acclaimed film Lagaan, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, alongside Aamir Khan. |
His filmography includes works like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Veer-Zaara, Rockstar, and more. |
Anil Mehta penned the story for the film Agni Varsha in 2002. |
In 2007, he made his directorial debut with the film Aaja Nachle, starring Madhuri Dixit Nene. |