Kundan Shah

Writing · 1947–2017 · Bombay (now Mumbai), British India

Kundan Shah (19 October 1947 – 7 October 2017) was an Indian film director and writer known for his influential contribution to satirical comedy in Hindi cinema and television. Born into a Gujarati family, he studied film direction at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. During his time at FTII, he developed a strong interest in socially relevant storytelling blended with humor and satire, which later became the hallmark of his filmmaking style.

Full biography

Shah made his directorial debut with the cult comedy film Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), which he also co-wrote. The film introduced a sharp form of satirical comedy in Indian cinema and later achieved cult status. He subsequently moved into television and directed several popular series including Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Nukkad (with Saeed Akhtar Mirza), Manoranjan, and Wagle Ki Duniya, the latter based on cartoonist R. K. Laxman’s iconic character “The Common Man”. These shows became widely popular for their humorous yet realistic portrayal of everyday life.

After a brief break from films, Shah returned to cinema with Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1993), starring Shah Rukh Khan, for which he also wrote the screenplay. The film received critical acclaim and won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film. He later directed films such as Kya Kehna (2000), starring Preity Zinta, which addressed the social issue of single parenthood, as well as Hum To Mohabbat Karega (2000), Dil Hai Tumhaara (2002), and Ek Se Badhkar Ek (2004). Shah also received the National Film Award for Best Debut Film of a Director for Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, and he remains remembered for blending satire, humor, and social commentary in Indian cinema and television.

TMDB mini biography by: Ashvin Borad