Nagraj Manjule - Childhood, Awards, Interesting Facts

Table Of Contents

• Biography

• Age 

• Education

• Career

• Top 5 Movies

• Career Timeline

• Net Worth

• Awards

• Interesting Facts

Biography 

Nagraj Manjule is a prominent Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor known for his influential contributions to the Marathi film industry. He was born on August 24, 1977, in Jeur, a small village in Maharashtra, India.

Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, Manjule faced numerous challenges but always harboured a passion for storytelling. He pursued his education in Solapur and later completed a Bachelor's degree in Arts from the University of Pune.

Manjule made his directorial debut with the Marathi film Fandry in 2013. The movie garnered widespread critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of caste discrimination and social inequality prevalent in rural India. It won several prestigious awards, including the National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director.

However, it was Manjule's second directorial venture, Sairat, released in 2016, that catapulted him to national and international fame. The film explored the theme of inter-caste love and the challenges faced by young couples in a deeply divided society. Sairat became the highest-grossing Marathi film at the time and received immense praise for its compelling storytelling, nuanced performances, and hard-hitting social commentary.

Manjule's directorial style is characterized by his ability to address sensitive social issues with authenticity and empathy. His films often delve into the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities, shedding light on their struggles and aspirations. Through his work, Manjule aims to challenge societal norms and provoke meaningful discussions on topics such as caste, class, and gender.

Apart from his directorial ventures, Manjule has also acted in films and television shows. He has received widespread acclaim for his performances, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Nagraj Manjule's contributions to cinema have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and International honours. His films have been screened at renowned film festivals around the world, solidifying his reputation as a filmmaker of immense talent and social conscience.

With his thought-provoking narratives, Nagraj Manjule continues to push boundaries and make a significant impact on Indian cinema. His work serves as a powerful medium to challenge societal norms and inspire change, making him one of the most celebrated and influential filmmakers in the country.

Age

Nagraj Manjule was born on August 24, 1977, in Jeur, Maharashtra, India. As of 2023, his age is 45. According to his birthdate, his zodiac sign is Virgo.

Education

Manjule grew up in Jeur village in the Solapur district of Maharashtra.He belongs to the traditionally-nomadic Waddar community, a Dravidian tribe.

He earned his M.A. in Marathi literature from University of Pune, followed by a master's in communication studies from New Arts, Science and Commerce College, Ahmednagar

Career

Manjule is strongly inspired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the emancipator of the downtrodden and the father of the Indian constitution. His films are deeply rooted in his own experience growing up as a Dalit in rural Maharashtra. His films have focused on the plights faced by members of these communities, including social discrimination at the hands of high-caste communities as well as the resulting economic hardships. His first National Award-winning short film Pistulya is a reflection of his 'felt experience'. The film focuses on the desire of a Dalit boy to attend school, and his inability to do so because of his family's poverty and a deep-seated disdain for formal education within his community. His debut feature film, Fandry, was released in February 2014; the word means pig in the Kaikadi language. Manjule's second film, Sairat, premiered at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival. Like Fandry and Pistulya, it deals with caste discrimination and honour killing, a practice still widespread in parts of India. Sairat also seeks to address the role of women in society, with the character of Archie (Archana Patil), the female protagonist of Sairat, garnering both popular and critical acclaim. Sairat is currently the highest-grossing Marathi film of all time. Manjule made his directorial debut in Hindi films with Jhund starring Amitabh Bachchan. In 2019, Manjule hosted Marathi Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Top 5 Movies

Sairat (2016)

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Sairat is a groundbreaking Marathi film directed by Nagraj Manjule. It tells the powerful love story of Parshya and Archie, two young individuals from different social backgrounds who face numerous challenges in their pursuit of happiness. The film explores themes of caste discrimination, societal norms, and the resilience of love. Sairat became a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cinema.

Fandry (2013)

Fandry is a thought-provoking Marathi drama film helmed by Nagraj Manjule. It revolves around Jabya, a young boy from a lower caste, who faces deep-rooted caste discrimination in his village. The film highlights the harsh realities of social hierarchy, prejudice, and the dreams of breaking free from societal constraints. With its raw storytelling and powerful performances, Fandry garnered critical acclaim and won several awards.

Naal (2018)

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Naal is a poignant Marathi film directed by Nagraj Manjule. It revolves around the emotional journey of a young boy named Chaitanya and his relationship with his mother. The film beautifully portrays the innocence of childhood and explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery. Through its heartfelt narrative and sensitive storytelling, Naal resonated with audiences and received critical acclaim.

Pistulya (2010)

Pistulya is a short film directed by Nagraj Manjule that gained widespread recognition for its impactful storytelling. The film revolves around a young boy named Pistulya who aspires to own a bicycle. It explores the struggles and dreams of a child growing up in challenging circumstances. With its realistic portrayal and emotional depth, Pistulya captivated audiences and established Nagraj Manjule as a talented filmmaker.

Tujhya Vin Mar Javaan (2022)

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Tujhya Vin Mar Javaan is a Marathi romantic drama film directed by Nagraj Manjule. It follows the love story of a young couple, exploring the complexities of relationships and the sacrifices one makes for love. With its engaging narrative, heartfelt performances, and soulful music, the film resonated with audiences. Tujhya Vin Mar Javaan showcases Nagraj Manjule's versatility as a director and his ability to capture the intricacies of human emotions.

Career Timeline

Awards 

• 2010: National Film Awards - Best First Non-Feature Film (Pistulya) [Won]

• 2013: National Film Awards - Best Debut Film of a Director (Fandry) [Won]

• 2017: National Film Awards - Best Director in Non-Feature Film (Pavasacha Nibandha) [Won]

• 2017: Filmfare Marathi Awards - Best Director (Sairat) [Won]

• 2019: National Film Awards - Best Debut Film of a Director (Naal) [Won]

Interesting Facts

• Nagraj in his childhood wasn’t interested in his studies and even got flunked in his 10th standard.

• He is also a poet and wrote the book, Unhachya Kataviruddh, an award-winning collection of poems.

• He was just 19 and studying in the 12th standard when he got married.

• His short film, Pistulya received critical acclaim and also won many awards including a National Award. The film revolves around a lower caste boy who desires to attend school but is unable due to the family’s poverty and lack of importance to formal education in his community.