Neeraj Pandey

Neeraj Pandey is a critically acclaimed Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his work in Hindi cinema, especially in the thriller and biographical drama genres. Born on December 17, 1973, in Howrah, West Bengal, Pandey spent his early years in Calcutta before moving to New Delhi and later Mumbai, where he established himself as a significant force in Indian filmmaking.

He graduated in English literature from the University of Delhi and later attended the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia Millia Islamia, where he honed his skills in media production. Neeraj began his career in the entertainment industry through documentaries, television, and ad films, which gave him a strong grounding in storytelling and production techniques.

Neeraj made his directorial debut with the 2008 film “A Wednesday!”, a low-budget thriller that gained massive critical acclaim and won several awards. The film, starring Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher, portrayed the story of a common man’s frustrations with terrorism and governance. It became a sleeper hit and catapulted Pandey into the spotlight as a fresh voice in Indian cinema.

Following this success, he continued to direct and write impactful films such as “Special 26” (2013), inspired by a real-life heist, and the blockbuster “Baby” (2015), a counter-terrorism action thriller. He also directed “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story” (2016), a biographical sports drama based on the life of Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The film was both a commercial success and a cultural phenomenon, further solidifying his status as a top filmmaker.

Neeraj also founded Friday Filmworks, his own production company, and co-founded Plan C Studios in collaboration with Reliance Entertainment. Through these ventures, he has produced several successful films and web series, including “Naam Shabana”, “Aiyaary”, and the acclaimed spy-thriller series “Special OPS” on Disney+ Hotstar.

Pandey is known for his gripping narratives, tight screenplays, and realistic portrayals of characters and events. He often draws inspiration from real-life incidents and national security themes, which resonate with a wide audience. His storytelling style blends intelligent scripting with mass appeal, making him a rare filmmaker who bridges both commercial and critical success.

Despite his fame, Neeraj remains relatively low-key and media-shy, letting his work speak for itself. He has received numerous accolades, including a National Film Award and Filmfare Awards, and continues to be one of the most respected names in modern Indian cinema.