Name: R. Balki/ R. Balakrishnan
Born Place: Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation: Film Director, Chairman and CEO Lowe Lintas, director, screenwriter
Marital Status: Married
Wife: Gauri Shinde(m. 2007)
First Movie: Cheeni Kum (2007)
Recent Movies: Ki & Ka, Pad Man
Who is he?
R Balki is a prominent name in Bollywood Industry for making many of the best films. His real name is R. Balakrishnan, however, fondly known as R Balki in the film industry. R. Balki is a director who works in Bollywood movies. His hometown is in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur locale, Tamil Nadu.
R. Balki is married to Gauri Shinde, who is also a filmmaker known for her works like "English Vinglish" (2012) and "Dear Zindagi" (2016). Here is a brief biography of R. Balki:
Early Life
R. Balki, whose full name is R. Balakrishnan, is an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and advertising professional. R. Balki was born on August 14, 1963, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. He completed his schooling in Kumbakonam and later pursued a degree in mechanical engineering.
Career
1. Advertising
Before entering the film industry, R. Balki had a successful career in advertising. He worked with renowned advertising agencies and is particularly known for his work with Lowe Lintas, where he served as the Group Chairman.
2. Filmmaking
R. Balki made his directorial debut in Bollywood with the film "Cheeni Kum" in 2007. The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu, received positive reviews for its unique storyline.
3. Successes
Balki continued his successful run with films like "Paa" (2009), which dealt with the rare genetic disorder progeria, and "Ki & Ka" (2016), a romantic drama challenging traditional gender roles. "Paa" received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
4. Collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan
R. Balki developed a strong professional relationship with Amitabh Bachchan, who played pivotal roles in many of his films. The collaboration between the director and the legendary actor garnered attention and appreciation.
He made his directorial début in a Bollywood film Cheeni Kum in 2007, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu, and the film was a gigantic hit and acclaimed by critics. His second directorial film was "Paa" in 2009, featured Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Vidya Balan, and the film was a treat to watch, with Amitabh Bachchan giving a unique and mind-blowing performance.
5. Other Ventures
Apart from filmmaking, R. Balki has been involved in writing and has authored a book titled "The Half-Book" in 2013.
Filmography (Director)
Balki is an Indian movie producer, film director, CEO, and executive of Lowe Lintas, the promoter, and screenwriter. Some renowned Hindi movie names are English Vinglish (2012), Cheeni Kum (2007), Paa (2009), and Shamitabh (2015). His third enterprise Hindi Bollywood film "Shamitabh" which highlights Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush, Akshara Haasan, Rekha released on 6 February 2015 all over India. His next film Ki and Ka (2016) starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arjun Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachchan is written, produced, and directed by R. Balki.
1. "Cheeni Kum" (2007)
2. "Paa" (2009)
3. "Shamitabh" (2015)
4. "Ki & Ka" (2016)
5. "Pad Man" (2018)
Awards
R. Balki's films, especially "Paa," received several awards and nominations for their unique storytelling and impactful performances.
How Did He Start?
As far as his profession is concerned, he began his career by joining publicizing organization Mudra at the age of 23, but, his enthusiasm just laid into filmmaking, which laid him to attempt his fortunes in the Madras Film Institute for a course in movie direction, but, he loathed the way the board behaved with him in the interview.
Expertise in Technology and Film Making
He joined Masters in Computer Application (MCA) Course and did his post-graduation in Computer Applications, which was only the contiguous Film Institute. In spite of that, he generally preferred PCs and Information Technology thus did this course, but later, he faced the fact that he lacks interest. His real interest was in cricket and films, which kept him far from school.
One fine day, he saw an advertisement in the newspaper for Mudra wherein he was requested that depict him the best. He recalled the same in the wake of viewing the serial Buniyaad attributable to his affection for the serial from Ramesh Sippy. He took a stab at imitating Sippy in the advertisement and hence found the opportunity one fine day to meet him. He was enthusiastic about making movies and wished to follow the steps of his idol, director Ramesh Sippy, in his promoting work.
Script Writing and Production
He then entered script-writing for the film called Cheeni Kum in 2007. The film was a major hit featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu. His second film Paa featuring Amitabh, Abhishek, and Vidya Balan was again a major hit helping him to cut his corner in Bollywood as a capable movie producer. His next attempt was Shamitabh wherein he had Amitabh Bachchan, Dhanush, and Akshara Haasan. The film is a normal grosser in the film industry.
Popular Slogans and Advertisement Campaigns
He is one of the most gifted and creative ad makers and has done renowned punch lines and ad campaigns for various brands like Daag Achche Hain(Dirt is good) for Surf Excel, Jaago re (Awakening) for Tata tea, 'Walk when you talk' for Idea Cellular and many more commercials and advertisement prints which made him prominent in the advertisement world.
He has also produced a film English Vinglish in 2012, starring Sridevi, which has been directed by his wife Gauri Shinde. He is brimming with talent and is a stockroom of potential entertainment with an eye for perfection.
Married Life
R. Balki married Gauri Shinde in 2007, who is a director and scriptwriter who made the film English Vinglish. She is a skilled producer and promotion movie producer and director.
0 Comments