From acting to directing: 6 Bollywood stars who excel behind the camera

Known as the Singham of Bollywood, Ajay Devgn surprised everyone by stepping into the director’s chair with ‘U Me Aur Hum.’ This heartwarming love story marked his transition from an action hero to a sensitive filmmaker. Ajay continued to impress with films like ‘Shivaay’ and ‘Bhola,’ showcasing his versatility not only as an actor but also as a director with a unique storytelling vision.

2) R Madhavan.

R Madhavan, known for his strong presence in both Tamil and Hindi cinema, made his directorial debut with Rocketry: The Nambi Effect in 2022. The biopic about Indian scientist Nambi Narayanan was a passion project for Madhavan, who not only directed but also produced and starred in the film. Rocketry opened to critical acclaim and recently earned him the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. 

3) Farhan Akhtar.

Farhan Akhtar made his writing and directorial debut with the highly acclaimed coming-of-age comedy-drama ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, produced by Excel Entertainment, a production company he co-established with Ritesh Sidhwani in 1999. This was followed by his directorial works such as Lakshya, Don, and Don 2. His next directorial project, Don 3, is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike.

4) Aamir Khan.

Known for his perfectionism as an actor, Aamir Khan brings the same dedication to his directorial ventures. His debut film, ‘Taare Zameen Par,’ touched hearts with its sensitive portrayal of dyslexia. Aamir’s directorial endeavors are always characterized by compelling narratives and social relevance, reflecting his commitment to meaningful storytelling.

5) Kunal Kemmu.

Kunal Kemmu has indeed been a familiar face in Bollywood, showcasing his versatility as an actor. It’s exciting to see him venture into new territory by making his directorial debut with Madgaon Express in 2023. Backed by Excel Entertainment, the film boasted a stellar cast including Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Divyendu Sharma, and Nora Fatehi. Written by Kemmu himself, Madgaon Express proved to be a well-crafted, engaging narrative that resonated with both audiences and critics.

6) Boman Irani.

The Mehta Boys marks the directorial debut of acclaimed actor Boman Irani, who is well-known for his stellar performances in films like the Munna Bhai franchise, 3 Idiots, and Khosla Ka Ghosla. In this project, Boman also takes on the roles of writer and producer, collaborating with Oscar-winning writer Alex Dinelaris, renowned for his work on the 2014 film Birdman. Starring alongside Boman Irani are Avinash Tiwary and Shreya Chaudhary. The Mehta Boys revolves around a father and son who are at odds with each other and are forced to spend 48 hours together. The film recently premiered at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) and received a standing ovation from the audience.