Indian cinema has witnessed several woman technicians, challenging gender biases in the film industry. These technicians, across fields of editing, cinematography and production design, have not only inspired several women to pursue careers in films but have also significantly contributed to several blockbusters. On International Women’s Day, here is a look at 10 Indian film technicians who have made a difference in their respective vocations.
Namrata Rao, who directed ‘Angry Young Man’, the recent Prime Video documentary on the famous writer duo Salim-Javed, is an acclaimed editor in Bollywood. Her popular films include her National Award-winning work ‘Kahaani’, ‘Band Baaja Baarat’, and ‘Ishqiya’.
Juhi Chaturvedi, a seasoned screenwriter, has been a backbone of several acclaimed Hindi movies. A regular collaborator with director Shoojit Sircar (‘Vicky Donor’, ‘Piku’ and ‘October’), Juhi is leading a pack of talented women breaking several myths, misconceptions and rules of writing scripts in the Hindi film industry.
After dabbling in music videos, short films and documentaries, Preetha Jayaraman has grown as one of the sought after cinematographers in Indian cinema. She has predominantly worked in Kannada films (‘Oggarne’, ‘Badava Rascal’), and shot noted Tamil films such as ‘Abhiyum Naanum’, ‘Hey Sinamika’, and ‘Vaanam Kottatum’.
Roopa Rao’s debut feature ‘Gantumoote’ was an endearing coming-of-age drama of a teenage girl. The film emerged as a rare product in modern Kannada cinema as it presented a story through the eyes of a girl, a narrative hardly witnessed in the industry in recent decades. One of the few female directors in Kannada, Roopa continues to champion independent films.
Monika Nigotre, along with her husband Ramakrishna, are a force to reckon with in the Telugu film industry. They have handled the production design in magnum opuses such as ‘Rangasthalam’ and ‘Pushpa 2’. They were praised for the authentic recreation of a bygone period.
A well known name in the Telugu film industry, Latha Naidu debuted with the refreshing ‘Pelli Chupulu’. Having a flair for production design, Latha has taken huge strides in her career, with her other popular works being ‘U Turn’, ‘Ee Nagarainiki Yemaindhi’ and ‘Ante Sundaraniki’.
Bina Paul, the award-winning editor for noted Malayalam films, has donned multiple roles. She is a former festival director of IFFK and also a member of Women in Cinema Collective. One of the earliest technicians in Malayalam cinema, Paul has fought for systematic changes in the Malayalam industry to ensure women can work with full confidence.
Fouzia Fatima has carved a place for herself in the Indian film industry as a cinematographer, with her debut being the critically-acclaimed ‘Mitr – My Friend’, directed by Revathy. An FTII student, she served on the jury of several film festivals such as the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK- preview committee), and National Film Awards (2010). She is known for her unique experiments in cinematography.
Pallavi Singh, a popular stylist, has worked for Tamil superstar Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and popular music composer Anirudh Ravichander. As of late, she has designed costumes for Rajinikanth in ‘Jailer’, Vijay in ‘Leo’, ‘Beast’ and ‘Master’, and Nani in ‘Ante Sundariniki’.
Cinematographer Yamini Yagnamurthy is known for her innovative style. She received great praise for her vibrant camera work in her most recent work ‘Raghu Thatha’, a period Tamil comedy drama. Yamini has also worked in complex dramas such as ‘Saani Kaayidham’ and ‘Sillu Karupatti’ in Tamil.
Published – March 08, 2025 02:33 pm IST
