Punit Goenka is an Indian businessman, who is the Managing Director and CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation.

Wiki/Biography

Punit Goenka was born on Friday, 20 June 1975 (age 48 years; as of 2023) in Hisar, Haryana, India. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He has studied in different cities including Hisar, Delhi, and Mumbai. He has studied at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh. He has also studied at Institut Le Rosey in Rolle, Switzerland. In 1995, he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from the University of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 8″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Brown

Family & Caste

He was born in a business-class Marwari Baniya family in Haryana. ^[1]The Times Of India

Parents & Siblings

Punit is the eldest son of media tycoon Subhash Chandra, who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 2016 to 2022. He is also the chairman of Essel Group and the founder of Zee TV. Punit’s mother is Sushila Devi. She is a homemaker. Punit has a brother, Amit Goenka. Amit is the President of Digital Businesses & Platforms for the Zee Entertainment Enterprises.

Punit Goenka with his father, Subhash Chandra (Centre), and brother, Amit Goenka (Right)

Wife & Children

Punit Goenka is married to Shreyasi Goenka. She is the founder of Arth – A Culture Fest and a co-director of the Saat Saath Arts Foundation. They have three children, two sons and a daughter. The names of their sons are Vivardhan Goenka and Udayan Goenka. Their daughter’s name is Anandini Goenka, she is the eldest of the three.

Punit Goenka with his wife and children

Other Relatives

Punit’s uncle, Jawahar Lal Goel, became the Editor-in-Chief of Zee Media Network in 2019. He quit his position as the chairman of Dish TV in 2022.

Jawahar Goel

Relationships/Affairs

Punit was in a long-term relationship with Shreyasi Goenka before they got married. In an interview, he talked about breaking up with Shreyasi twice before marrying her, and said,

We both are in love for may years and we even broke up twice before marriage, but she is very good in understanding me and finally I tied my life to her.”

Punit Goenka with Shreyasi Goenka

Religion

Punit Goenka is a follower of Hinduism.

Punit Goenka praying during Diwali in his office

Career

Punit Goenka started his career as a trainee in Essel Group in 1993. His first task was selling amusement park packages to schools in Virar, Mumbai. He worked briefly as an assistant at Essel Packaging and later as an executive assistant to his father, Subhash Chandra. Then, he worked at Zee Music Records before becoming Vice President of Coordination and Operations at ASC Enterprises Limited (ASCEL) in December 1997. He became the Group President & CEO of ASCEL Group of Companies on 1 February 2002 and launched Dish TV with his uncle, Jawahar Goel in Delhi. He later became the business head of Zee Sports, director of ZEE Digital Convergence Limited, and finally, the business head of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) on 1 January 2005. In 2007, he became Director of the Adhikaar Foundation and in 2008, he was made CEO of ZEEL. The same year, he became Director of ETC Networks Limited. On 24 July 2008, he was appointed as the director of Zee Turner Limited. On 1 January 2010. he became the Managing Director (MD) of ZEEL. On 9 July 2010, he founded and became the director of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). On 20 April 2012, he was appointed as the director of Prozone Intu Properties Ltd. In 2016, he became the president of the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (now known as the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation). From 2018 to 2020, he served as the President of The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA). In January 2019, he was appointed as the chairman of BARC India. He was reappointed as an MD and CEO of ZEEL on 1 January 2020, for a 5-year term.

Punit Goenka pic

Jauzi

Harpal Randhawa was an Indian businessman and a billionaire mining tycoon. He was the owner of RioZim, a Zimbabwe-based mining company and a founder of The Global Emerging Markets Group (GEM), a private equity firm. On 29 September 2023, his plane crashed due to technical difficulties, resulting in his passing away along with his son.

Wiki/Biography

Harpal Singh Randhawa was born on Friday, 9 August 1963 (age 60 years; as of 2023) in India. His zodiac sign is Leo. He enrolled at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh, when he was 7 years old. He moved to England in the 1970s. He studied at the City, University of London from 1986 to 1987. He was also a student of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and The Association of Corporate Treasurers.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 8″

Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper

Eye Colour: Brown

Family

He was born into a family that follows Sikhism.

Parents & Siblings

Harpal Randhawa’s father was a cavalry general belonging to the 7th Light Cavalry in the Indian army. His sister, Iqrup Dhamija, is an interior designer. She is the founder of Iqrup Design, a luxury interior design firm.

Iqrup Dhamija

Wife & Children

Harpal Randhawa married Shon Randhawa on 10 December 1989. She is an entrepreneur and a co-founder of two luxury fashion brands, Patine and Talitha. Harpal and Shon Randhawa had a son, Amer Kabir Singh Randhawa, born in 2001. He was a trained pilot and a Polo player. He passed away in a plane crash on 29 September 2023.

Harpal Randhawa with Shon and Amer Randhawa

Relationships/Affairs

Harpal Randhawa met Shon Randhawa in December 1988. After dating for some time, they got married in 1989.

Harpal and Shon Randhawa

Religion

Harpal Randhawa followed Sikhism.

Career

Harpal Randhawa was the founder of The Global Emerging Markets Group (GEM), an alternative investment group focusing on emerging markets worldwide. He served as its chairman from July 1993 to September 2023.

Logo of the GEM Group

He co-founded Antfactory Limited, a London-based internet and technology investment company, in 1999. He served as its chairman from October 1999 to March 2002. From 2002 to 2014, Harpal Randhawa served as a partner in Sabre Capital Worldwide. From 2010 to 2013, Harpal worked as a senior advisor in a Dubai-based real estate and private equity investment firm, Safanad Inc. In 2012, Harpal’s company, GEM, acquired 24% shares in RioZim, making him the largest shareholder of the company. RioZim is a Zimbabwe-based company producing gold and coal. The company also toll refines nickel and copper.

Death

Harpal Randhawa passed away on 29 September 2023 due to a plane crash near the Murowa diamond mine in Zimbabwe. The crash happened when Harpal, his son, Amer, and 4 passengers were going from Harare to the RioZim-owned Murowa diamond mine in the Cessna 206 aircraft. It was a single-engine aircraft owned by RioZim. According to Zimbabwe’s newspaper, The Herald, police claimed that the crash occurred between 7.30 a.m. and 8 a.m. Confirming the death of six people, including two Zimbabweans and four foreigners, the police said,

The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports a plane crash which occurred on September 29 between 7.30 am and 8 am, where six people are confirmed dead. The Murowa Diamond Company (RioZim)-owned white and red Zcam aircraft had left Harare for the mine at 6 am and crashed about 6 km from Mashava.”

The police report claims that the plane crash occurred due to a technical fault which may have resulted in a mid-air explosion.

Police inspecting the site of Harpal Randhawa’s plane crash

Facts/Trivia

• On 29 August 2019, the Indian embassy in Zimbabwe organised a talk on the life and teachings of Guru Nanak, which Harpal Randhawa gave.

Embassy organised a talk on ' Life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji and philosophy of Sikhism' by Harpal Randhawa, an eminent Indian expatriate. This is the first event in the series of programme planned to commemorate his 550th Birth Anniversary. @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/PK3BxJ5R1r

— India in Zimbabwe (@IndiainZimbabwe) August 29, 2019

• His company, The Global Emerging Markets Group (GEM) is worth 4 billion dollars as of 2024 and operates several mines in Zimbabwe, including Renco Gold Mine, CAM & Motor Mine, Empress Nickel Refinery, Sperrgebiet Diamond Mine (SDM), Murowa Diamond Mine and Sengwa Coal Mine.

Jauzi

Mohammed Faizal is an Indian politician, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) member, a Member of Parliament (MP), and a social worker. He was elected consecutively twice as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Lakshadweep. He hit the headlines in October 2023, when his Lok Sabha membership was suspended and restored for the second time in that year.

Wiki/Biography

Mohammed Faizal Padippura was born on Wednesday, 28 May 1975 (age 48 years; as of 2023) in Andrott Island, Lakshadweep. His zodiac sign is Gemini. In 1997, he graduated from Sir Syed College, Taliparamba, Kerala, with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Zoology. In 2000, he completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calicut, Kerala.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 6″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Brown

Family & Caste

Mohammed Faizal was born in a Muslim Scheduled Tribe (ST) family in Lakshadweep.

Parents & Siblings

His father’s name is Pookoya Thangal Kunnamkalam, and his mother’s name is Safiyabi Padippura. He has a brother, Sayed Mohammed Noorul Ameen, who was a government teacher. In 2023, he was dismissed from his position and disqualified from holding any government position after being convicted of an attempt to murder along with Mohammed Faizal.

Wife & Children

His wife’s name is Rahmath Begum. She is a homemaker. Mohammed Faizal has 4 children, 3 daughters and a son. His daughters’ names are Fazna Bind Faizal, Ayisha Liyana, and Ayisha Naveeda. His son’s name is SM Quthbudheen Bakthiyar.

Religion

Mohammed Faizal follows Islam.

Address

He resides at Padippura House, Andrott Island, Lakshadweep Island-682551

Signature/Autograph

Signature of Mohammed Faizal

Career

After completing his MBA, Mohammed Faizal started working as a business advisor. Later, he joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). In 2014, he won the Lok Sabha election and became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Lakshadweep constituency. After winning the election, NCP made him the party whip (discipline enforcer). From 1 September 2014 to 13 March 2016, he served as a member of the Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture. He was re-elected as the MP from Lakshadweep to the Lok Sabha on 23 May 2019. From 13 September 2019 to 27 December 2020, he served as a member of the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice. On 23 October 2019, he was elected as a member of the Consultative Committee in the Ministry of Minority Affairs. On 28 December 2020, he became a member of the Committee on Home Affairs. On 11 January 2023, he was disqualified from the membership of Lok Sabha after he was convicted in an attempt to murder case by a sessions court in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep, and was given a 10-year jail term. Mohammed Faizal filed a petition in the Kerala High Court to suspend the conviction and not get disqualified as an MP, which would result in a by-election. On 25 January 2023, the Kerala High Court suspended the conviction of Faizal and others accused in the case citing rare and exceptional circumstances until disposal of the appeal. The court observed that although it is important to decriminalise politics, it is equally important to avoid an expensive by-election for the benefit of society and said,

Decriminalisation of politics is an essential requirement of every democracy. As a constitutional court, it is the bounden duty to advance constitutional objectives, including purity in politics. However, those lofty principles cannot be the reason for denying the application of the principles of rule of law. The societal interest in averting an expensive election, that too, when the elected candidate can continue for a limited period alone if the fresh election is conducted, cannot be brushed aside by this court.”

On 29 March 2023, his membership was restored by the Lok Sabha Secretariat. In August 2023, the Supreme Court asked the Kerala High Court to reconsider the suspension of Mohammed Faizal. On 4 October 2023, the high court refused to stay his conviction resulting in the disqualification of Mohammed Faizal as an MP. On 9 October 2023, the Supreme Court ordered Mohammed Faizal to be reinstated as a member of Lok Sabha. ^[1]The Times Of India  His Lok Sabha membership was restored on 2 November 2023.

• He is interested in developing Lakshadweep as one of the world’s best tourist destinations.

• To provide higher education, he got a seat in different undergraduate courses reserved for Lakshadweep students in the colleges that were affiliated with 3 Kerala universities which included the University of Calicut, the University of Kerala, and the Mahatma Gandhi University.

• He has a keen interest in reading and listening to music.

• He owns 1/4th of shares of a Motor Sailing Vessel, MSV Jeeli.

Jauzi

Hemant Patil is an Indian politician, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), and a businessman. He is a member of the Shiv Sena party. He hit the headlines in October 2023 after he submitted his resignation from the position of Member of the Parliament (MP) in solidarity with the Maratha reservation movement.

Wiki/Biography

Hemant Patil was born as Hemant Shriram Patil on Wednesday, 16 December 1970 (age 53 years; as of 2023) in Yehelegaon Tukaram Kalamnuri, Hingoli, Maharashtra, India. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius. He studied in Bhartiya Vidya Mandir, Hingoli, in 1986. In 1991, he passed the Police Sub-Inspectors (PSI) exam. ^[1]Bol Bhidu In 1993, he graduated from the Science College, Nanded, Maharashtra with a degree in Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). He holds a diploma in Computer Application. He has also completed a certificate course in Import-Export. ^[2]Rajasthan Link

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 8″

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Black

Family & Caste

He comes from a middle-class Maratha family.

Parents

His father’s name is Shriram Bhagwanrao Patil and his mother’s name is Kamla Shriram Patil.

Wife & Children

Hemant Patil married Rajshri Hemant Patil on 7th February 1999. She is a farmer, politician and businesswoman. Rajshri is the Chairperson of Godavari Urban Multi State Credit Co-Op Society Ltd and Shivdhara Mahila Nagri Patsanstha. In 2019, she participated in the Nanded South Assembly Election but lost to Mohanrao Marotrao Hambarde of the Indian National Congress (INC). They have a son, Rudra Hemant Patil.

Hemant Patil with his wife and son meeting the President Ramnath Kovind (Centre)

Relationships/Affairs

Hemant Patil was in a relationship with Rajshri Patil before marrying her. They met for the first time in 1996 at a Maratha Seva Sangh event that she was moderating. Later, they started dating and eventually got married. ^[3]Bol Bhidu

Religion/Religious Views

Hemant Patil is a follower of Hinduism.

Hemant Patil praying with his wife

Address

He resides at Tukai, H No 1/10/623, Raviraj Nagar, Taroda Naka, Nanded, Maharashtra- 431605.

Signature/Autograph

Hemant Patil signature

Career

Early Career

Hemant Patil has been an ardent supporter of the Shiv Sena party since his younger days. He Joined Shiv Sena in the late 1990s. In 2002, he became a councillor of the Nanded-Waghala Municipal Corporation. He became the chairman of the standing committee of the Nanded-Waghala Municipal Corporation in 2003. He was elected a Zila Pramukh in 2005.

Member of the Legislative Assembly

In 2009, he fought the Assembly Constituency election from Nanded (South) but lost to Omprakash Pokarna of the Indian National Congress (INC). In 2014, he fought the 13th Legislative Assembly election for Maharashtra from Nanded (South). He won the election and was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the constituency. He was appointed as a member of the PRC Committee and Charity Commissioner Committee from 2014 to 2017. He served as a member of the Public Undertakings Committee from 2017 to 2019.

Member of the Parliament

In 2019, he won the 17th Lok Sabha election from Hingoli and became a Member of the Parliament (MP). On 13 September 2019, he was appointed as a member of the Standing Committee on Commerce. On 13 September 2022, he became a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Consultative Committee in the Ministry of Finance. On 21 December 2022, he became a member of the Joint Committee on the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill. In June 2022, Shiv Sena was divided into two factions, one led by Uddhav Thackeray and the other led by Eknath Shinde. On 19 July 2022, it was reported that Hemant had joined the faction led by Eknath Shinde. In September 2022, he was appointed as the President of the Balasaheb Thackeray Turmeric Research Centre, set up in Hingoli, Maharashtra. On 29 October 2023, he announced his resignation as an MP to support the Maratha Reservation protests. In his resignation letter addressed to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, he talked about the intense emotions of people in support of the Maratha reservation issue and his desire to resign from his position as MP on the issue and wrote,

The feelings of the community are very strong. I have been an activist fighting for the Maratha community and farmers for years. I am supporting the reservation movement and I am resigning from my post for Maratha reservation.” ^[4]The Indian Express

Forced A Hospital Dean To Clean Toilets

In October 2023, an FIR was registered against him as he made the dean of a government hospital in Nanded clean the toilets, as seen in a viral video. The dean, S. R. Wakode, filed an FIR against him. An official, in an interview, said that Hemant had been charged with Indian Penal Code section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 500 (defamation) and 506 (criminal intimidation), as well as provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. ^[7]Telegraph India In an interview, Hemant defended his actions and claimed that his intention was pure and he didn’t want to humiliate the dean. He further claimed the case against him was politically motivated and said,

My intention was pure. I did not abuse or even speak rudely with him so as to deserve such stringent sections (against me). But he has filed the case… This looks politically motivated, under the influence of the Opposition.”

Jauzi

Ashish Singh Patel is an Indian politician and the working president of the Apna Dal (Soneylal). He became a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council from Chitrakoot on 6 May 2018. He was elected as a cabinet minister in the Government of Uttar Pradesh and has served as the Minister of Technical Education, Consumer Protection, and Weights and Measures since 25 March 2022.

Wiki/Biography

Ashish Singh Patel was born as Ashish Kumar Singh on Monday, 13 August 1979 (age 44 years; as of 2023) in Ramnagar, Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, India. His zodiac sign is Leo. He was taken to Allahabad by his father to pursue his education due to the fear of dacoits. He completed his schooling at the Government Inter College (G.I.C.), Prayagraj, in 1995. He earned a degree in Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Civil Engineering at the Bundelkhand Institute Of Engineering and Technology (BIET), Jhansi, in 2002. ^[1]MyNeta

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 10″

Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Family & Caste

Ashish Patel belongs to the Kurmi caste and comes from a family of landlords in Uttar Pradesh.

Parents & Siblings

His father’s name is Mani Shankar Singh Patel (deceased), and his mother’s name is Krishnavati Singh. She died on 21 December 2021. His elder brother is Arun Kumar, who is also known as Munna Singh. Ashish Patel also has two elder sisters.

Wife 

Ashish Singh Patel married Anupriya Patel on 27 September 2009. She is the President of Apna Dal (Soneylal) and Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. She is the daughter of Dr. Soney Lal Patel, founder of the Apna Dal political party and Krishna Patel, who became the president of Apna Dal after Dr. Soney Lal passed away on 18 October 2009.

Ashish Patel with his wife Anupriya Patel

Religion

Ashish Patel is a follower of Hinduism.

Address

He resides at Village Hanumanganj, Post-Lauri Police Station-Raipura, Tehsil-Mau District-Chitrakoot, 210209.

Career

Early Career

After completing his B.Tech, Ashish Patel worked in the Military Engineering Services. He then moved to working as an engineer in the UP Jal Nigam. In 2017, Ashish took a voluntary retirement from his job to pursue his journey into the world of politics.

Politics

Ashish became the national president of Apna Dal (Solneylal) in 2017 after its president and founding member, Jawahar Lal Patel, stepped down from his post due to ill health. On 19 April 2018, he was elected as an MLC in the Uttar Pradesh government. He is the chairman of the ‘Food items adulteration and to combat the health problems of public life in the circulation of counterfeit drugs’ committee. In 2019, his wife, Anupriya was elected as the national president of the party and he became the working president of the party.

Ashish Patel filing his nomination for MLC elections

In 2022, he became a cabinet minister in the Uttar Pradesh government. He is the head of various departments, including Technical Education, Consumer Protection, and Weights and Measures.

Controversies

Accused Of Locking Up CPWD Engineers

In 2016, Ashish Patel with his family, was accused by a CPWD Junior Engineer and contractor of locking them up in their house as the work was delayed. In an interview, the contractor talked about being locked up by the minister’s family and said that it was because of the delay in work as the tiles hadn’t come that day. He further said,

Tiles didn’t come today. It will come tomorrow morning. They accused us of delaying the work and then locked us up. We were told that we will be locked up until the tiles don’t come.”

In an interview, Ashish denied the allegation, claiming that staff members only scolded the workers for the delay and said,

I am not the in-charge of the bungalow and I was inside. When I came out, the workers were being scolded by the staff of the minister for delaying the work. If somebody thinks that we held them captive then they can take legal action against us.” ^[2]ABP Live

Snatched A Student’s Phone

In a video that went viral in 2023, Ashish was seen scolding a student and snatching his phone. The student had reached the public relations office of Anupriya Patel with his classmates regarding their scholarship and fee issues. The student claimed that Ashish insulted him after snatching his phone. ^[3]PressWire18

Jauzi

 

Rajendra Singh Yadav is an Indian politician, businessman, and a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). He became a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly from Kotputli constituency in 2018. In the same year, he was given the charge of the Home & Justice department. He was also given independent charge of various departments including Higher Education, Planning (Manpower), State Motor Garage, and Language and Library.

Wiki/Biography

Rajendra Singh Yadav was born on Friday, 13 November 1959 (age 64 years; as of 2023), in Village Kichha, Nainital, Uttar Pradesh (now in Uttarakhand), India. His zodiac sign is Scorpio. He started his education at a school in Thathwari village in Rajasthan. From 4th standard to 10th standard, he studied at a local school in Haldwani. He completed his 10th class and 12th class from a school in Kichha, Uttarakhand. After completing his schooling, he joined the Kumaun University in Nainital, Uttarakhand. He received his B.A. degree from the Kumaun University in 1981.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 6″

Hair Colour: Salt and Pepper

Eye Colour: Black

Rajendra Singh Yadav (Right)

Family

Rajendra Singh Yadav was born into a Hindu family in Uttarakhand.

Parents & Siblings

His father, Ramjilal Yadav, was a businessman. He passed away at the age of 101 on 16 January 2017 in Uttarakhand. Rajendra Singh Yadav’s mother, Sardar Kaur (deceased), was a homemaker. His brother, Vijaypal Singh Yadav, is a businessman and operates a flour mill in Kichha, Uttarakhand.

Rajendra’s father, Ramjilal Yadav

Wife & Children

On 22 February 1981, Rajendra Singh Yadav got married to Kamlesh Yadav. Kamlesh is a working professional. They have two sons, Tribhuvan Yadav, a businessman, and Madhur Yadav, who is also a businessman and director of The Rajasthan School in Kotputli, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Rajendra Singh Yadav with his wife (Cente) and sons, Tribhuvan (Left) and Madhur (Right) with their wives

Religion

Rajendra Singh Yadav follows Hinduism.

Address

He resides at 132, Jaton Ka Kua, Khedki Veerbhan, Tehsil Kotputli, District Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Signature/Autograph

Signature of Rajendra Singh Yadav

Career

Business

He is the managing director of Yadav Foods Ltd. and the director of Rajasthan Flexible Packaging Limited.

Legislative Assembly Of Rajasthan

In 2008, Rajendra Singh Yadav fought the MLA election from the Kotputli constituency but lost by a close margin of 893 votes to LSWP’s Ramswaroop Kasana. He fought the election for the second time in 2013 and was elected as an MLA from Kotputli, Rajasthan. He remained a member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly for a decade, from 2013 to 2023, winning two consecutive terms. He is credited for breaking the tradition of an MLA not getting elected for the second term in Kotputli since the independence of India in 1947. In 2023, Rajendra Singh Yadav lost his seat to the BJP candidate, Hansraj Patel Gurjar, by a close margin of 321 votes.

Rajendra Yadav campaigning for Rajasthan Assembly Elections

Minister Of Home Affairs

Rajendra Singh Yadav was made Rajasthan’s Minister of Home Affairs soon after he was elected as an MLA for the second term, in 2018. As a Minister Of Home Affairs, he was given charge of various departments throughout his tenure, including the Ministry of Library (2021-2023), Higher Education (2021-2023), Ministry of Home and Justice (2021-2023), Ministry of Motor Garage (2018-2023), Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (2018-2021), Ministry of Language (2018-2023), and Planning Department (2018-2023).

• In August 2023, Rajendra Singh talked about creating a law to regulate the activities of coaching centres. This statement was in response to a sudden surge in suicides of students who were studying in coaching institutes in Kota, Rajasthan. He further talked about the marketing tactics of the coaching institutes which highlight the performances of only toppers to attract more students and said,
  

  We are considering putting some checks on their hoardings and boards. They market their institutes by highlighting the toppers but don’t say how many students study at their institutes. If 20,000 students take coaching at your institute and, out of them, 30 are toppers, then this is something natural.”

Jauzi

Jeniffer Piccinato is a Brazillian actress and model who regularly appears in Indian advertisements, music videos, films, and TV shows. She is known for appearing in films such as ‘Baazaar’ (2018), ‘Freddy’ (2022), and ‘Ram Setu’ (2022).

Wiki/Biography

Jennifer Piccinato was born as Jeniffer Christine Piccinato on 17 October in Maringá, Brazil. Her zodiac sign is Libra. She studied fashion design at UniCesumar, Brazil. She has studied acting at The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center in New York, the United States.

Physical Appearance

Height: 5′ 7″ ^[1]Inega

Weight (approx.): 55 kg

Hair Colour: Dark Brown

Eye Colour: Brown

Figure Measurements: 34-27-38 ^[2]Inega

Family

Jeniffer Piccinato was born into a Christian family in Brazil.

Parents & Siblings

Jeniffer Piccianto’s father, Roque Piccinato, is an electronics technician. Her mother’s name is Jo Miranda Piccinato. In an interview, Jeniffer’s father said that she was a good student at her school and had been interested in modelling since childhood. He further talked about how dressing up the dolls during her childhood helped Jeniffer to become interested in fashion design and said,

She always designed dolls and clothes for them until she became interested in fashion design.”

Parents of Jeniffer Piccinato

Jeniffer’s brother, Jonathan Piccinato, is a musician and founder of a music school, TOQUE MAIS – Escola de Música in Maringá, Brazil.

Jeniffer Piccinato with her brother

Career

Modelling

Jeniffer Piccinato has worked as a model since she was 9 years old and has travelled to many countries for modelling assignments. In an interview, she talked about starting modelling at an early age and her desire to become an actress since childhood and said,

I have been a model since I was 9 years old and I always wanted to be an actress. I took acting classes in Brazil and New York City when I lived there and worked as a model.”

In 2011, she returned to Brazil after having modelled in UAE and India to participate in the Garota Mais Bela do Verão (Most Beautiful Girl of Summer) contest. She was the finalist of the contest.

Jeniffer Piccinato (Centre)

Advertisements

Jeniffer Piccinato had her first advertisement shot in India for Pantene, a cosmetics brand. In an interview, she talked about coming to India for the advertisement which was supposed to be shown during the festival of Diwali and said,

I was called to India for the first time in anticipation of doing a television commercial for the brand Pantene, couldn’t say no to it. An advertisement also was a challenge to me back then. They informed me that the advertisement will be showcased during festivities, and my logistics rang the bell in terms of ‘promotion’. But I had no idea about what we do on Diwali (she laughs).”

Jeniffer Piccinato in the Pantene advertisement

She has also appeared in an advertisement for Amul Macho, along with Saif Ali Khan and for Relaxo Bahamas, along with Salman Khan.

Jeniffer Piccinato in the Amul Macho advertisement

Music Videos

In 2016, Jeniffer Piccinato appeared in the song, ‘O Mahiya’. In 2018, she appeared in the song, ‘Dill Ton Blacck.’

Jeniffer Piccinato in a still from O Mahiya

In 2020, she appeared in ‘Main Dooba Rahoon’ by Aditya Narayan. In 2022, she appeared in the song, ‘Shaidayee’ by Terrence Lewis.

Jeniffer Piccinato in a still from Shaidayee

Films

In 2018, Jeniffer Piccinato had a cameo in ‘Baazaar.’ In 2022, she appeared in ‘Ram Setu’ as Dr. Gabrielle. In the same year, she also appeared in another film, ‘Freddy.’ In 2023, she appeared in ‘Kennedy.’

Jeniffer Piccinato in a still from Baazaar

Web Series

Telugu Language

In 2020, Jeniffer Piccinato starred in ‘Sin’ as Nina. The series premiered on aha

Jeniffer Piccinato in a still from Sin

In 2020, Jeniffer Piccinato starred in the ZEE5 web series, ‘Expiry Date.’ The series was shot in Hindi and Telugu languages.

Poster of Expiry Date

Hindi Language

In 2023, Jeniffer Piccinato appeared in ‘The Freelancer.’ The series premiered on Disney+ Hotstar. In 2023, she appeared in the web series, ‘United Kacche.’

Poster of The Freelancer

Theatre

In 2020, she worked in Anton Chekhov’s play, ‘Three Sisters,’ which was staged at the Jeff Goldberg Studio in Mumbai. She has also worked in Jeff Goldberg Studio’s adaptation of Neil Simon’s play, ‘The Odd Couple’ in 2021.

Poster of Three Sisters

Awards

In 2021, Jeniffer Piccinato was honoured with the Best Debut Actress (Webseries) Award for ‘Sin’ (2020) by the aha 100% Entertainment Awards.

Jeniffer Piccinato won the aha Best Debut Actress Award

Facts/Trivia

• In an interview, Jeniffer talked about the challenges that come with different roles such as learning new languages and transforming herself physically and said,
  

  There are a lot of challenges that one faces in the industry and my challenges have always been subjective to the characters I play on screen. Most of the time, learning a new language or working on my physicality for a specific part has been challenging, but I have also always enjoyed the entire process.”

• According to Financial Express, Jeniffer Piccinato charged Rs 75 lakh for her role in ‘Ram Setu’ (2022). ^[3]Financial Express

• In 2022, Jeniffer Piccinato earned her blue belt in Brazillian jiu-jitsu.
  

  Jeniffer Piccinato posing with her blue belt

• According to Jeniffer, she had to take swimming classes during the winter season to prepare for her stunts in the film, ‘Ram Setu’ (2022). She also talked about gaining weight to better fit the personality of her character, in an interview, and said,
  

  The scene was very intense, as it showed the character on the verge of drowning in the water. I had to learn how to swim to perform that more comfortably, and to deliver my performance in a safe way. So that was challenging. I took some diving lessons as well in that short period of time. It was very intense, and I was bulking up for it. I’d gained weight for the part since I really wanted to look different too, and close to what the director envisioned for Dr. Gabrielle’s heart and personality.”

• She is an animal lover and owns a Siberian Husky whom she has named Sushi.
  

  Jeniffer Piccinato with her dog

Jauzi

Navika Kotia is an Indian actress. Starting her career as a child artist, she has appeared alongside Sridevi in the film, ‘English Vinglish’ (2012). She has also appeared in TV serials such as ‘Kasamh Se’ (2007-2008), ‘Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak?’ (2010-2012), and ‘Kyunki… Saas Maa Bahu Beti Hoti Hai’ (2023).

Wiki/Biography

Navika Kotia was born on Wednesday, 20 May 2000 (age 23 years; as of 2023) in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Her zodiac sign is Taurus. She is an alumnus of Ryan International School, Mumbai. She talked about scoring 95% in the 10th class board exams and her future goals after finishing her schooling, in an interview, and said,

I scored 95% in my 10th std boards and I am working hard for my next boards this year. After my 12th, I will further study interior designing and get a degree in it, as I have a keen interest in art and designing as well.”

She has completed her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology from Mumbai University, Mumbai, India, in 2021. She holds a diploma in the French language from Alliance française de Toulouse, an international school of French language and civilization. She has a Masters degree in Bharatnatyam from Aumkar Nritya Academy, where she has studied from 2008 to 2019. In 2020, she got a certificate of Fundamentals of Digital Marketing from Google.

A childhood photograph of Navika Kotia

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 4″

Weight (approx.): 55 kg

Hair Colour: Black

Eye Colour: Hazel eyes

Family

Parents & Siblings

Navika’s father, Vikas Kotia, is a businessman and her mother, Bindu Kotia, is a housewife. She has a brother, Shivansh Kotia, who is also an actor and has worked with her in the film, ‘English Vinglish’ (2012).

Navika Kotia (Right) with her parents and her brother

Career

Television

In 2007, Navika Kotia appeared as a child artist in the TV serial, ‘Kasamh Se’.

In 2009, she appeared in ‘Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar.’ She appeared in ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ in 2013 as Prerana “Chikki” Singhania. In 2023, she starred in ‘Kyunki… Saas Maa Bahu Beti Hoti Hai’ as Kesar Rajgaur.

Navika Kotia in a still from Kyunki… Saas Maa Bahu Beti Hoti Hai

Films

Hindi Film

She had a cameo in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ in 2007 and played the role of a young Vidya Balan in the film.

‘In 2012, Navika Kotia starred in the box office hit film, ‘English Vinglish.’ She received a lot of praise for her role as a teenage daughter of Sridevi. She talked about being recognised by people for the film and their reaction of wishing to slap her in an interview and said that,

Till date, when people realize I played Sridevi’s daughter in English Vinglish, they tell me ‘I felt like slapping you’! I reply, ‘Thanks! Everybody says that to me’! I take it as a compliment because that is what I was supposed to do.”

Poster of the film English Vinglish

Telugu Film

In 2013, Navika Kotia appeared in ‘Attarintiki Daredi.’ In 2014, she appeared in ‘Chinnadana Nee Kosam.’

Poster of the film Attarintiki Daredi

Tamil Film

In 2014, Navika Kotia starred in ‘Murugaatrupadai.’

Navika Kotia in the poster of Murugaatrupadai

Web Series

In 2023, she starred in ‘School Friends,’ an Amazon Prime series.

Navika Kotia in a still from School Friends

Music Videos

In 2022, she appeared in the music video of the song, ‘Roye Roye’ sung by Madhur Sharma. In 2023, she appeared in the song, ‘Apni Saanson Mein’ sung by Abhi Dutt.

Navika Kotia in a still from Roye Roye

Other Works

Since 2020, she has been freelancing as a Private French Tutor in Mumbai, India. She worked as a marketing intern at Firework From September 2021 to December 2021. She runs a YouTube channel ‘Navika and Shivansh’ with her brother, Shivansh Kotia. In 2021, the channel won the Silver Play Button from YouTube.

Awards

• In 2018, she was awarded the title of Ryan Princess from her school.
  

  Navika Kotia with her Ryan Princess Award

• In 2023, she won the Lord of Trendz International Fashion Week.

Car Collection

In 2022, Navika Kotia bought Mahindra XUV 700.

Navika Kotia with her car Mahindra XUV 700

Tattoo

She has a tattoo on her right arm’s wrist.

Navika Kotia’s tattoo

Favourites

• Food: Dahi Chawal

• Actor: Amitabh Bachchan

Facts/Trivia

• She talked about becoming an actor as a child and how she got her first advertisement, in an interview, and said,
  

  I don’t have a family background in the acting field, I am the very first person from my family who stepped into this. So it wasn’t very easy. When I was around 4-5 years old, I was a cute kid, very expressive and outgoing, not at all shy. So everyone used to suggest my parents that I should try a hand at acting, so my parents got my portfolio done and after a lot of struggle I finally did an ad.”

• Navika is a foodie and has struggled with keeping her weight down since childhood. Her first weight loss journey happened during the shooting of ‘English Vinglish’ (2011) when she was only 11 years old. She gained some weight again and at her heaviest, she weighed just over 76 kg. After starting her YouTube channel, she went on another successful weight loss journey and was able to come down to a healthier weight of 55 kg.   ^[1]YouTube – Navika and Shivansh
  

  Weightloss journey of Navika Kotia

• In 2022, she was rumoured to be dating fellow actor, Paras Kalnawat. Although Navika hasn’t talked about the rumours, Paras Kalnawat, in an interview, said that,
  

  Navika and I are very good friends. I share everything with her. In fact, we are a gang of three — Palak (Sidhwani), Navika and me. We hang out together a lot.”

• Navika Kotia’s YouTube videos are often filmed by her parents.

• Navika Kotia was the president of her school council.

• In 2022, Navika was diagnosed with viral meningitis and hospitalized for 10 days.

• She talked about having a great experience while working with Sridevi in the film ‘English Vinglish’ (2011) and her mother’s love for her, in an interview, and said,
  

  Not just my friends, but everyone who talks to me about this film asks me this question; how was it to work with Sridevi Ji?, to which I reply, that it was an amazing experience. She is a very hardworking actor who doesn’t throw any tantrums and is a very sweet and beautiful human being. I’d also like to add, that my mother is a huge fan of Sridevi, from her college days. She hasn’t missed a single movie and remembers all her dialogues and songs by heart. She is so happy and proud that both her kids got a chance to work with her favorite Diva.”

• In an interview, she talked about her nervousness while having to learn Garba dance for her show ‘Kyunki… Saas Maa Bahu Beti Hoti Hai’ (2023) and said,
  

  Although I love dancing, when I first got to know that I have to perform Garba for a sequence in the show, I was a little nervous. I had to learn a lot of new steps and the nuances of Garba to make it look authentic on screen.”

• She has ornithophobia (a fear of birds), especially pigeons. ^[2]YouTube – Navika Kotia

• Her hobbies include painting and drawing.

• When she was around 7 years of age, she appeared in her first advertisement for Complan.

Jauzi

Sameer Nigam is an Indian entrepreneur and co-founder of PhonePe, a digital platform for quick payments and financial services. He is also the CEO of PhonePe.

Wiki/Biography

Sameer Nigam was born in 1978 (age 46 years; as of 2024) in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. He spent his pre-teen years in Delhi and Noida. In the 1990s, he moved to Hiranandani Gardens, Bombay (now Mumbai), where he completed his college education. ^[1]Youtube – CNBC TV18 He studied MBA at the Wharton Business School University of Pennsylvania, USA, from 2007 to 2009. He is a postgraduate in Computer Science from the University of Arizona, Tucson, USA.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 8″

Hair Colour: Salt and Pepper (semi-bald)

Eye Colour: Black

Family

Parents & Siblings

Sameer Nigam’s father is an IIT graduate and served in the Indian Navy at the beginning of his career. After working in the Navy, he joined Larsen & Toubro. He has worked on various projects including INS Arihant and Chandrayan. His mother worked at TCS (Tata Consultancy Services Limited), in the early 1970s as one of the earliest employees of the organisation. She learned Computer Science on her own and has a PhD. Later in her life, she became a serial entrepreneur in the early 1980s. Sameer talked about his mother’s entrepreneurship in an interview and said she established her first firm in the mid-1980s. He also talked about how when she was in her 40s, she passed the IAS exam on her first attempt. Sameer has a sister, who is a Math professor in Canada.

Wife & Children

Sameer Nigam’s wife is from Bandra, Mumbai. She is a strategy consultant. Sameer Nigam has a daughter and a son.

Career

Sameer built the proprietary shopping search engine for Shopzilla Inc., where he worked as the Director of Product Management. In 2009, he founded Mime360, a startup based out in Mumbai. Mime360 is a digital media distribution platform that can stream music and help content owners get in touch with content publishers. The startup was acqui-hired by Flipkart in 2011 and Sameer Nigam started to work in Flipkart. He became the Senior Vice President of Engineering and Vice President of Marketing at Flipkart. In 2015, Sameer founded PhonePe with his friends, Rahul Chari and Burzin Engineer. In 2016, PhonePe was acquired by Flipkart and became its wallet app. On 23 December 2022, Flipkart completely separated itself from Phonepe. In the press release given by PhonePe, Sameer Nigam talked about it and said,

Flipkart and PhonePe are proud, homegrown Indian brands with a user base upwards of 400 million each. We are looking forward to the next phase of our growth as we invest in new businesses – like insurance, wealth management and lending, while also enabling the next wave of growth for UPI payments in India. This will help propel our vision to provide billions of Indians with financial inclusion.”

PhonePe is a successful decacorn (a company with over $10 billion valuation) and is one of the leading UPI-based money transaction companies in India with over 50 crore registered users in 2023. PhonePe also offers various financial services including insurance, investments, loans, etc.

Jauzi

Mani Ratnam is an Indian film director, producer, and screenwriter who predominantly works in Tamil films. He is known for creating films such as Roja (1992), Nayakan (1987), Bombay (1995), Dil Se.. (1998), Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Guru (2007), Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022), and Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023).

Wiki/Biography

Mani Ratnam was born as Gopala Ratnam Subramaniam on Saturday, 2 June 1956 (age 67 years; as of 2023) in Madurai, Madras State (now Tamil Nadu), India. His zodiac sign is Gemini. He studied at Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in Chennai and Besant Theosophical School Higher Secondary School in Chennai. He has a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai. He studied MBA in Finance from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.

Physical Appearance

Height (approx.): 5′ 7″

Hair Colour: White – While (semi-bald)

Eye Colour: Black

Family & Caste

Mani Ratnam was born in a Tamil Brahmin family.

Parents & Siblings

Mani Ratnam’s father, S. Gopala Ratnam, was a film distributor. He has a sister, Sharda Ratnam, and two brothers, G. Venkateswaran, and G. Srinivasan. G. Venkateswaran was a chartered accountant and a film producer for Venus Films. In 2003, he passed away at the age of 55 by committing suicide.

G Venkateswaran

Mani Ratnam and G. Srinivasan founded Madras Talkies, an Indian entertainment company, in Chennai, in 1995.

G Srinivasan

Wife & Children

Mani Ratnam married Indian film actress, director, producer, and writer, Suhasini Maniratnam in 1988. She is a niece of Indian actor, Kamal Haasan, and has won a National Award for her performance in ‘Sindhu Bhairavi’ (1985).

Mani Ratnam with his wife Suhasini

Their son, Nandan Maniratnam, was born in 1992. He is an alumnus of Oxford University, England.

Suhasini with son Nandan Maniratnam

Other Relatives

Mani Ratnam’s uncle, S Krishnamurthy (also known as Venus Krishnamurthy), is a famous film producer. He was the founder of Venus Pictures and is known for producing films such as Uthama Puthiran (1958), Nazrana (1961), and Manchi Vadu (1973).

Religious Views

Mani Ratnam is an atheist. ^[1]YouTube – O2india

Signature/Autograph

Signature of Mani Ratnam

Career

Films

Kannada Film

In 1983, Mani Ratnam wrote and directed ‘Pallavi Anu Pallavi.’ The film was highly praised by the critics.

Poster of the film Pallavi Anu Pallavi

Malayalam Film

In 1984, Mani Ratnam directed a political drama, ‘Unaroo.’

Poster of the film Unaroo

Tamil Film

In 1985, Mani Ratnam wrote and directed ‘Pagal Nilavu.’ In 1986, he wrote and directed a critically acclaimed film, ‘Mouna Ragam.’

Poster of the film Pagal Nilavu

In 1987, he wrote and directed ‘Nayakan.’ In 1990, he wrote and directed ‘Anjali.’ In 1992, he wrote and directed the box-office hit film, ‘Roja.’ In 1995, he wrote, produced, and directed a highly acclaimed film, ‘Bombay.’

Poster of the film Bombay

In 2004, he wrote, produced, and directed ‘Aayutha Ezhuthu.’ In 2010, he wrote, directed, and produced ‘Raavanan.’ In 2020, he wrote and produced ‘Vaanam Kottattum.’ In 2022, he wrote, produced and directed ‘Ponniyin Selvan – I,’ and subsequently its second part, ‘Ponniyin Selvan – II’ in 2023.

A poster of the Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan: I (PS1)

Telugu Film

In 1989, Mani Ratnam wrote and directed ‘Geethanjali.’ In 1993, he wrote the story of ‘Gaayam.’

A poster of the Telugu film Geethanjali

Hindi Film

In 1998, Mani Ratnam wrote, produced, and directed ‘Dil Se..’ In 2002, he produced and wrote ‘Saathiya.’ In 2004, he wrote, produced, and directed ‘Yuva.’

Poster of the film Dil Se

In 2007, he wrote, produced, and directed ‘Guru.’ In 2017, he wrote and produced ‘Ok Jaanu.’

Poster of the film Ok Jaanu

Web Series

In 2021, Mani Ratnam wrote and produced a Tamil series titled ‘Navarasa’ for Netflix.

Poster of the web series, Navarasa

Controversy

Falsely accused of cheating film distributors of Rs. 16 crore

In 2013, Mannar Mannan of Mannan Films alleged that Mani Ratnam had cheated him of Rs 16 crore over the distribution rights for the film, ‘Kadal’ as the film failed to impress at the box office. Mani Ratnam was forced to take police protection against Mannan Films. However, the case was soon resolved and the Madras High Court found that the case was falsely filed by Mannan Films to hurt the reputation of Mani Ratnam. Mani then filed a countersuit against Mannan Films of Rs. 5 crore for the damages that he suffered due to the false case. ^[2]The New Indian Express

Awards & Honours

1982-83

• Mani Ratnam won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay for ‘Pallavi Anu Pallavi.’

1986

• Mani Ratnam won the Filmfare Award South for Best Director – Tamil for ‘Mouna Ragam.’

• He won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil for ‘Mouna Ragam.’

1988

• He won the third prize in the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film for ‘Agni Natchathiram.’

1989

• Mani Ratnam won the Filmfare Award South for Best Director – Tamil for ‘ Geethanjali.’

• He won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for ‘ Geethanjali.’

1990

• Mani Ratnam won the Filmfare Award South for Best Director – Tamil for ‘Anjali.’

• He won the Nandi Award for Best Story Writer for ‘Geethanjali.’

• He won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil for ‘Anjali.’

1991

• Mani Ratnam won the Filmfare Award South for Best Director – Tamil for ‘Thalapathi.’

1992

• Mani Ratnam won the V. Shantaram Award for Best Director for ‘Roja.’

• He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director for ‘Roja.’

• He won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration for ‘Roja.’

1995

• Mani Ratnam won the Special Award at the Political Film Society Awards for ‘Bombay.’

• He was awarded Honorable Mention at the Jerusalem Film Festival for ‘Bombay.’

• He was honoured with the Gala Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival for ‘Bombay.’

• He was awarded the Star Screen Award for Best Director for ‘Bombay.’

• He won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration for ‘Bombay.’

• He won the Filmfare Award South for Best Director – Tamil for ‘Bombay.’

1996

• Mani Ratnam won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film for ‘Bombay.’

1997

• Mani Ratnam won the Best Film Award at the Belgrade International Film Festival for ‘Iruvar.’

1998

• Mani Ratnam won the NETPAC (Special Mention) at the Berlin Film Festival for ‘Dil Se..’

2002

• Mani Ratnam was honoured with Padma Shri by the Government of India.

• He won the Filmfare Award South for Best Director – Tamil for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• He won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’
  

  Mani Ratnam receiving the National Award

• He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• He won the second prize at the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• He was honoured with ‘In The Spirit of Freedom Award – Best Feature Film’ at the Jerusalem Film Festival for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• He won the Best Director and Best Film at the International Tamil Film Awards for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• He won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at the RiverRun International Film Festival for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• He won the Best Film Award at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• He won the Audience Award, Jury Award, and Special Award at the Film Fest New Haven for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• He won the Best International Film Award at the West Chester Film Festival for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

• He won the Best Film Award at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles for ‘Kannathil Muthamittal.’

2003

• Mani Ratnam won the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay for ‘Saathiya.’

2005

• Mani Ratnam won the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film for the film ‘Yuva.’

2007

• Mani Ratnam won the V. Shantaram Award for Best Director for ‘Guru.’

2008

• Mani Ratnam won the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema.

2010

• He won the Jaeger-Lecoultre Glory To The Filmmaker (Honorary Award) at the 67th Venice International Film Festival.
  

  Mani Ratnam with Jaeger-Lecoultre Glory To The Filmmaker

2015

• Mani Ratnam won the Icon Award at the London Indian Film Festival.
  

  Mani Ratnam with Icon Award

2022

• Mani Ratnam was honoured by Pune’s MIT World Peace University with the Bharat Asmita National Award.

2023

• Mani Ratnam won the Best Director Award at the Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards for ‘Ponniyin Selvan:I.’

• He was honoured by SIIMA with the Extraordinary Achievement Award for promoting Oneness in Indian Cinema and bringing the world together through outstanding filmmaking.
  

  Mani Ratnam (Centre) with SIIMA

Net Worth

Mani Ratnam’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs 130 crore.

Facts/Trivia

• Mani Ratnam is considered one of India’s biggest and most respected film directors.

• Mani Ratnam worked as a management consultant before deciding to become a filmmaker.

• He worked on his first script in 1979 with his friend Ravi Shankar. In an interview, Mani Ratnam said that he found the process of scriptwriting to be very exciting. He quit his job to become a part of the film shoot. Although the film wasn’t completed, the whole process of script writing and film shooting inspired him to enter the film industry.he would go for the shooting of the film and this whole process got him interested in films.

• He wrote the script of his first film, ‘Pallavi Anu Pallavi’ (1983) in English but made the film in Kannada despite not knowing the language.

• Inspired by the American film, ‘The Godfather’ (1972), Mani Ratnam directed ‘Nayakan’ (1987) which was based on the life of underworld don, Varadarajan Mudaliar. The Time magazine listed the film in its ‘All-TIME 100 list of the greatest films made since 1923’ in 2005.

• Mani Ratnam was hospitalised in 1995 after religious extremists threw homemade bombs at his home due to his portrayal of inter-faith marriage in the film, ‘Bombay’ (1995).

• In 2019, an FIR was filed against Mani Ratnam and 49 others after he signed a petition addressed to PM Narendra Modi to stop mob lynching.

• He created ‘Navarasa’ (2021), a web series with film director and producer, Jayendra Panchapakesan, to help the daily wage workers and the members of the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) who had been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by generating funds for them through the series.

• Mani Ratnam stated in an interview that despite coming from a family of filmmakers, children in his family weren’t encouraged to watch films other than those which were made by his family as films were considered to be taboo at his home.

• In an interview, when asked about his influences, Mani Ratnam said that he grew up watching Tamil films by K Balachandra and Shivaji Ganesan. He talked about how he started watching other filmmakers, such as Akira Kurosawa and Guru Dutt, as he became more involved in filmmaking. He also mentioned being inspired by directors like Martin Scorsese, Krzysztof Kieslowski, and Ingmar Bergman.

• Mani Ratnam became the first Tamil film director to join the Oscar committee in 2023. ^[3]India Today

• Mani Ratnam’s films, ‘Nayakan’ (1987) and ‘Anjali’ (1990) were selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars.

• In 2023, PIL was filed against Mani Ratnam for allegedly portraying the wrong history of the Chola empire. The PIL was dismissed after the judges made it clear that the film is inspired by the fictional novel, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ and has no relation with history. ^[4]DT Next

• Mani Ratnam used to collaborate with the famous Indian musician and composer, Ilaiyaraaja in his films before introducing singer and music composer, A. R. Rahman in the film industry with his box office hit film, ‘Roja’ (1992). Mani Ratnam frequently contributes with A. R. Rahman and has worked with him in over 18 films.
  

  Mani Ratnam with A. R. Rahman

• Mani Ratnam, being a beginner, couldn’t find a producer for his first film, ‘Pallavi Anu Pallavi’ (1983). His uncle, S Krishnamurthy, produced the film on the condition that the film be made under a limited budget in the Kannada language. Mani talked about his uncle’s condition for his film, in an interview, and said that the condition was reasonable since his uncle had a distribution office in Bangalore.

Jauzi