CINEMA AS A MISSION

The realism of Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.

- Santosh Mehta

Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is a renowned filmmaker, writer, and producer. He was born in Jawahar Colony, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. His father, the late Pt. Prabhu Dayal Agnihotri, was a professor at Victoria College in Gwalior. Vivek completed his schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya and later studied at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication before enrolling at Harvard Extension School for a Certificate of Special Studies in Administration and Management. In addition, he holds degrees from the Bhopal School of Social Sciences and Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Agnihotri gained immense appreciation for The Kashmir Files, a film that resonated deeply with audiences and well-wishers. Owing to its popularity and critical acclaim, he received the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. His next film, The Tashkent Files, also earned a National Award for Best Screenplay. His earlier works include Hate Story and Buddha in a Traffic Jam, among others.

Born to an academic father, Agnihotri grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment that nurtured curiosity and inquiry. He studied Mass Communication at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Before entering Bollywood, he worked in advertising with Ogilvy & Mather and later as a Creative Director at McCann Erickson. From the world of advertising, he transitioned into filmmaking, eventually emerging as one of the most daring storytellers in Indian cinema. Vivek is married to acclaimed Bollywood actress Pallavi Joshi, known for her versatile performances from childhood to mature roles. The couple has two children and resides in Mumbai. Pallavi Joshi frequently collaborates with Agnihotri on his projects.

Known for his realistic, truth-based cinema that connects with common audiences, Agnihotri recently completed