Movie-making is not only an art but it’s a team sport that requires every single person involved in it to put in their sweat and blood.And if the lead actors have been the face of the movies ever since the birth of Indian cinema in 1913, movie directors have been at its heart, orchestrating every department of filmmaking from the actors to the cinematographers to choreographers into a unified artistic expression.Over the years, there have been actors who have been applauded for their perfect acting skills and, there have been directors who have excelled in the art of direction. But, time and again, there have been actors, who, along with giving mind-blowing performances on screen, have been at the helm, donning the director’s boots. So, the legendary Raj Kapoor left his mark with films like his experimental directorial debut, Aag, in 1948 to cult classics like Shree 420, Sangam and Mera Naam Joker. And Guru Dutt displayed his genius with films like Baazi, Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool.
We take a look at some of the new age Bollywood actors, who’ve attempted to master the art of movie-making by turning directors themselves.
Aamir Khan – Taare Zameen Par
Mr. Perfectionist first directed a film and also acted in it with Taare Zameen Par in 2007. The film, which dealt with a sensitive subject like dyslexia, not only became one of the biggest hits of the year but also entered the race for the Best Foreign Film at the 2009 Academy Awards, albeit it failed to move further. Aamir played the role of an art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, who helps the eight-year-old Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi (played by Darsheel Safary) to overcome his disabilities and excel in art and academics. Taare Zameen Par won the Filmfare award for the Best Film in 2008 as well as the National Award for the best film on family welfare.
Ajay Devgan – Shivaay
Bollywood star Ajay Devgn has always expressed his desire to be the man behind the camera. So, in 2008, he directed his first film, U me Aur Hum, starring his wife, Kajol. He then surprised the entire fraternity when he decided to direct and act in a big-budget film that was very close to his heart, Shivaay (named after Lord Shiva). The film dealt with the subject of child trafficking. Ajay played Shivaay, a father who rescues his mute daughter, Gaura (played by Abigail Eames) in Bulgaria. The film won a National Award in 2107 for Best Visual Effects.
Arbaaz Khan – Dabangg 2
Despite the fact that Salman Khan’s Dabangg was a massive hit, its director Abhinav Singh Kashyap opted out of its sequel. It was then left to Salman’s brother, Arbaaz Khan, who had acted in the first film, to come forward and step into the director’s shoes. He also continued to act in the film, taking forward his role as Salman’s brother, Makkhi, in the sequel. Upon its release in 2012, Dabangg 2 shattered all box-office records to become the second-highest grosser of 2012 after Ek Tha Tiger, which also starred Salman.Whether it was because of Arbaaz’s direction or Salman’s stardom, the film was declared an “all-time blockbuster”.
Shreyas Talpade – Poster Boys
It has been 12 years since Shreyas Talpade made his debut in Hindi films with Iqbal and won over the audience with his outstanding performance in it and in subsequent films like Dor. Now, the 41-year-old has turned his hand at direction with Poster Boys, in which he has acted along with Sunny and Bobby Deol. The film has performed moderately at the box office.