Filmmaker Mira Nair is considered one of the greatest names in Indian as well as international cinema. She became a representative and an inspiration for millions on a global stage with the release of Salaam Bombay, India’s second entry to the Oscars. On the occasion of her birthday, here is a brief look on her life and the acclaims she earned. Mira Nair celebrates her 67th birthday today, which is October 15. She was born in Rourkela, Odisha to an IAS Amrit Lal Nair and a social worker, Parveen Nair. She was brought up in Bhubaneshwar, along with her two older brothers. After she turned 18, she left for Shimla for her higher studies and attended an Irish-Catholic missionary school.
At the age of 19, she received a full scholarship for Cambridge University, but turned it down and attended Harvard University. As per the reports, Mira initially wanted to venture into acting and even acted in several plays but fate had other plans for her.
She started her career in filmmaking with documentaries, which extensively revolved around Indian cultural tradition. For her Harvard film thesis, she produced a film called Jama Masjid Street Journal, between the years of 1978 and 1979. The 18-minute clip captured the exploration of old Delhi streets, while conversing with the locals of the place.
In the following years, she made numerous acclaimed documentaries like So Far From India, India Cabaret and Children of a Desired Sex. Then in 1983, Mira Nair co-wrote the script of her first feature film, Salaam Bombay, with her friend Sooni Taraporevala. As a former actress and a filmmaking professional, Mira sought real street children to give an authentic portrayal of the lives of such innocent lives, forced to survive on the streets. The film failed to perform well at the box-office but received 23 international awards. It included the Camera D’or and Prix du Public at the Cannes Film Festival. It also received a nomination at the 1989 Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Film category.
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