Vishal Bhardwaj Birthday: From Cricketer Dreams to Cinema Success Story

The name of Vishal Bhardwaj, the versatile artist of Indian cinema, needs no introduction in film direction, music composition, and writing. But very few people know that Vishal's first dream was to become a cricketer. Born on 4 August 1965 in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, Vishal started his life as a player, but fate made him a shining star of Bollywood.

Journey from cricket to music

Vishal spent his childhood in Meerut and played Under-19 state-level cricket here. He was very serious about his dream of becoming a cricketer. But during practice before a tournament, he broke his thumb, which put a stop to his sports career. After this accident, he focused on studies, and then his inclination towards music and cinema increased.

Father's inspiration and first chance (Vishal Bhardwaj Family)

Vishal's father was also a musician, and he advised his son to learn music. At the age of 17, Vishal composed a tune for a song, and after listening to it, his father contacted musician Usha Khanna. Usha Khanna used that tune in the film 'Yaar Kasam' (1985). After this, Vishal came to Delhi and graduated, and started working in a music recording company.

Meeting Gulzar and the journey of music

It was in Delhi that he met veteran lyricist Gulzar, with whom he worked on the song 'Chaddi Pehen Ke Phool Khila Hai'. In 1995, Vishal debuted as a music composer with the film 'Abhay', but he got real recognition with the film 'Maachis' (1996). He also received the Filmfare RD Burman Award for this film. After this, he gave music in films like 'Satya', 'Hu Tu Tu', 'Godmother', 'Chachi 420', 'Saat Khoon Maaf', 'Darlings', and 'Khufiya' and won many awards.

First step in direction – 'Makdee' (Vishal Bhardwaj Film Makdee)

In 2002, Vishal entered the world of direction with the film 'Makdee'. This film was for children, and its idea came from a funny conversation between friends after losing a cricket match. The film was highly appreciated, and from here, Vishal's directorial career started.

Shakespeare's influence on direction

Vishal Bhardwaj made films inspired by Shakespeare's plays like 'Maqbool', 'Omkara', and 'Haider', which are considered the heritage of Indian cinema. Apart from this, he has earned praise by directing films like 'Kaminey', 'Saat Khoon Maaf', 'Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola', 'Rangoon', and 'Pataakha'.

Awards (Vishal Bhardwaj Awards)

Vishal Bhardwaj is one of the few filmmakers of Indian cinema who has made a great contribution in the field of direction, writing, and music. He has been awarded many National and Filmfare awards from time to time for his amazing work. He has set a unique record by winning the National Film Award 9 times so far. In the year 1996, he was awarded the Filmfare R.D. Burman Award as New Music Talent for the film 'Maachis'. After this, in 1999, he received the National Award for Best Music Director for the film 'Godmother'.

In 2006, Vishal was awarded the Special Jury Award for 'Omkara'. In 2007, his film 'The Blue Umbrella' received the National Award for Best Children's Film. In 2010, he received the National Award for Best Music Director for the film 'Ishqiya'. In 2014, for 'Haider', he received not only the National Award for Best Music Direction but also the National Award for Best Screenplay. In 2015, his film 'Talvar' was awarded the National Award for Best Screenplay. In 2021, he once again received the National Award for Best Music Director for the documentary '1232 KMS'.

In 2022, he received the National Award for Best Music Director in the Non-Feature Film section for the short film 'Fursat'. Apart from this, in 2016, the Uttar Pradesh government honored him with the Uttar Pradesh Yash Bharti Award, which is the highest honor given by the state government.

The journey from Rekha Bhardwaj to life partner (Vishal Bhardwaj's Wife)

Vishal met singer Rekha Bhardwaj during a college function. They became friends, then fell in love and got married in 1991. Rekha remains his partner in music and life even today.

Movie (Vishal Bhardwaj Movies)

Songs (Vishal Bhardwaj Songs)

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