RajKumar Santoshi Biography

Undoubtedly, the most versatile directors of Bollywood, Rajkumar Santoshi, through his films has constructively contributed to the bring reform to Indian Cinema. Rajkumar Santoshi is also a producer. He was born to P.L. Santoshi, a director and producer. Santoshi is married to Manila Santoshi and has a son, Ram and a daughter, Tanisha.

Santoshi began his career as an assistant director under Govind Nihalani for the film 'Ardh Satya' (1982). He has given numerous hits at the Box Office and is reputed to be one of the few successful directors who sustained their success for more than a decade. His noteworthy movies comprise 'Ghatak', 'Pukar' and 'The Legend Of Bhagat Singh'. He has received the Filmfare Best director Award for 'Ghayal' (1990) and 'Damini' (1993), both starring Sunny Deol.

Santoshi has directed films almost in all genres and has given an all-round performance. Santoshi's 'Andaz Apna Apna', a comedy starring Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor acquired a cult status. 'Damini', a film based on a woman and a lawyer fighting to bring justice to a rape victim is still remembered and related to. The film had a memorable dialogue list. 'Lajja' was again a woman- oriented movie but failed commercially. 'The Legend Of Bhagat Singh' (2002) beautifully told the story of Indian Freedom Fight. The movie won the National Film Award and Filmfare Award for The best film.

Another hit was 2004's 'Khakee' starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai. His 2008 movie 'Halla Bol' was critically acclaimed. He gave a blockbuster movie in the form of 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani', a comic romance starring Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif.

Rajkumar is set to release his next movie 'Phata Poster Nikla Hero' starring Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D'cruz. The film is slotted to release in August, this year.