N Chandra - A Lifestory

Chandrashekhar Narvekar, known as N. Chandra, is a filmmaker whose career reflects a blend of raw realism and commercial appeal. Born on April 4, 1952, in Mumbai, he started as an editor before making his directorial debut with Ankush (1986), a gritty portrayal of urban struggles. His subsequent films, including Pratighaat (1987), Tezaab (1988), and Narsimha (1991), focused on social issues like corruption and gender violence, earning him recognition for bold storytelling. Despite his success in gritty cinema, he ventured into lighter comedies like Style (2001) and Xcuse Me (2003), though these lacked the impact of his earlier works. Chandra's ability to work with fresh talent, like Smita Patil and Madhuri Dixit, and his insistence on authenticity, especially in his handling of Mumbai's underbelly, solidified his place in Bollywood. His filmography is marked by a fearless commitment to social commentary and a unique capacity to evolve with the industry's changing tastes.