Beenu Rajpoot (born 31 August 1979) is an Indian film director and producer.[1] She has directed multiple films and produced several national and international documentary films.[2][3][4] She is the founder of Beenu Rajpoot Films, a production house based in Delhi.
Beenu Rajpoot | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 31 August 1979 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | Film director, producer and Writer |
| Notable work | Born to Dance, Kaba-e-Hindostan, Bhakt Bhagwat, Lama Mani |
| Website | beenurajpootfilms |
In March 2021, Beenu Rajpoot was selected as a Fit India Champion by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.[5][6][7]
Early life and education
editRajpoot, was born on 31 August 1979 in Talwara, Punjab. She comes from a small Punjabi town where filmmaking was not common. She finished her graduation from Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab. Beenu Rajpoot has a post-graduation degree in Philosophy from Panjab University, Chandigarh. She also holds two other Master's degrees in Yoga from Uttarakhand University and a Master's in Mass Communication from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi. She has also a Diploma in Camera and Photography from IIPC, Delhi and CCYPI course from Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India.[2]
Rajpoot is an alumna of Philosophy Department, Panjab University.[8]
Rajpoot is a notable alumna and vice president of the HMV Alumnae Association of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab.[9]
Career
editIn 2023, Beenu Rajpoot launched "Wings of Vision" magazine, approved by Registrar of the Newspapers for India. The Governor of Punjab, Shri Banwarilal Purohit, released the first copy of the magazine.[10][11]
Film career
editRajpoot started her film career with the Mentor Mike Pandey, and she worked with him as a researcher on an episode of his TV show Earth Matters.[12] Most of her films have been approved by (CBFC) Central Board of Film Certification.[13]
In 2016, she came up with her first film independently and she gave extensive research and two long years to give shape to the film. "Born to Dance" was based on the life of Kathak dancer Shovana Narayan.[14] This film was released on 11th Oct 2016 at India International Centre (IIC), Delhi.[15] This film was later shown in Chandigarh, where it was well-received by the audience.[16][17]
In 2017, Rajpoot directed Wall of Valour - A Tribute to Martyrs. The film was based on Border Security Force (BSF) martyr Rocky, who saved the lives of 44 people in a terrorist attack. The film was screened at Punjab University. This film has been screened to many cities.[18][19] The film is first released in Yamunanagar, Haryana, where Rocky lived.[20] After that, Punjab University, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and BSF screened the film in Chandigarh.[21] Rajasthan Police Academy also screened this film many times.[22]
In 2018, Rajpoot directed and produced a film "Kaba-e-Hindostan: Ghalib’s Ode to Banares: Charagh-e-dair". The film is based a journey taken by Mirza Ghalib to Banares. Ghalib's much acclaimed poem “Chirag-i-Dair” (Temple lamps) was composed during his trip to Banares in the spring of 1827.[23] This film was first screened on 17 February 2018 at India Islamic Cultural Centre Delhi in 2018.[24][25] This film has been screened in Banaras, Jalandhar (Punjab), Panjab University Chandigarh, Sangeet Natak Academy Chandigarh, and Hamdard University, Delhi.[26][27]
In 2019, Rajpoot directed and produced a documentary film Beyond Belief: The Real Mythbuster. The 32-minute documentary several successful visually impaired people, including Padhmashri awardee Shekhar Naik.[28] This film showed that disability does not mean you have no ability. This film was first screened on December 3, 2019, at the Alliance Française de Delhi. The Rajya Sabha TV covered this film.[29][30]
During COVID-19, Beenu directed another short documentary film, Reunion, in 2020. Her hostelmate friend conceptualized the film. While the lockdown has sparked the creativity of many, a group of women, all 1997-batch pass-outs from HMV College in Jalandhar, have created their own version of a lockdown film.[31]
In 2021, Rajpoot made a documentary Hamari Dharohar based on the history of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya.[32][4]
In 2022, another documentary film Kathak Log of Kathak Villages directed by Beenu Rajpoot and produced by Shovana Narayan. The film is based on a book Kathak Lok. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in Delhi first screened the documentary on April 30, 2022.[33][34]
In 2024, Rajpoot directed Bharat Ki Awaaz: Acharya Rama Kant Shukla, based on Rama Kant Shukla's work and life. The film was screened at Alliance Francaise Auditorium in Delhi. And the show was housefull.[35][36]
Filmography
editAs director
edit- Born to Dance: A Glimpse into the life of a dancer (2016)
- Mera Safer (2016)
- Wall of Valour (2017)
- Kaba-e-Hindostan: Ghalib's Ode to Banaras: Charagh-e-dair (2018)
- Mapping Kathak Villages (2018)
- Banaras: The Sacred City of World (2019)
- Beyond Belief: The real Mythbuster (2019)[28]
- Reunion (2020)
- Hamari Dharohar (2021)
- Kathak Log of Kathak Villages (2022)
- Bhakt Bhagwat: A Tiny Lover of Lord Krishna (2023)
- Lama Mani (2023)
- Bharat Ki Awaaz: Acharya Rama Kant Shukla (2024)
- The Experimental Ecologist (2024)
- Lama Tashi Norbu (2024)
As producer
edit- Born to Dance: A Glimpse into the life of a dancer (2016)
- Kaba-e-Hindostan: Ghalib's Ode to Banaras: Charagh-e-dair (2018)
- Beyond Belief: The real Mythbuster (2019)[28]
- Oneness (2019)
- An Artist (2019)
- Bhakt Bhagwat: a Tiny Lover of Lord Krishna (2023)
As writer
edit- Born to Dance: A Glimpse into the life of a dancer (2016)
- Kaba-e-Hindostan: Ghalib's Ode to Banaras: Charagh-e-dair (2018)
- Beyond Belief: The real Mythbuster (2019)[28]
- Oneness (2019)
- Our Own Planet (2021)
- Pink Moon (2001)
- Wall of Valour (2017)
- Surra Di Malika: Surinder Kaur
- Gurmeet Bawa: The queen of Punjabi ‘Folk’
- Jai Hind
- Dancing Wheels
- BRU Reangs
- Yoga: The Union of Mind, Body & Soul
- LAMA MANI - A Story Teller in Art (2023)
Philanthropy
editRajpoot always promotes Indian Art & Culture and literature. In the year 2019, she formed a society named “AGRIMAA Society of Arts” in Delhi. She is the founder member of Precious Planet Charitable Trust (PPCT), Delhi.[37]
Awards and honours
edit- IDPA National Silver Award 2021 for Documentary Film[38][39]
- Gold Medal in Photography by the Photographic Society of America (PSA).[40]
- Sajjan Lal Purohit Memorial Award 2021 for Excellence in Documentary Films[41]
- Awarded by Governor of Punjab LT. GEN. B. K. N. Chhibber on 16 July 1997 for her excellent performance in Republic Day Parade.[4]
- National Award (Gold Medal) in Aero Modelling at National level VSC 1994 in Control Line Speed.[4]
References
edit- ^ C.M.C, SR Vijaya (20 May 2023). General Knowledge Times Book 7 (A.Y. 2023-24)Onward. Goyal Brothers Prakashan. ISBN 978-93-95941-66-2.
- ^ a b "A journey of a never-say-die woman, from a small village to tinsel town". The Times of India. 8 March 2019.
- ^ Sharma, Suridhi (5 April 2018). "A yen for all things cultural!". Deccanchronicle.com.
- ^ a b c d Banerjee, Ashish. "BeenuRajpoot: A Rising Star Redefining Indian Documentary Cinema". Bru Times News.
- ^ "FIT India Champions". Fitindia.gov.in.
- ^ Tankha, Rajkumari Sharma (18 May 2021). "Free fitness gyaan and goals". The New Indian Express.
- ^ "Working Long Hours? This is How to Keep Your Body and Mind Active". News18. 11 April 2021.
- ^ "Born to dance: Basic philosophy is to preserve art, culture for future generations, says Beenu Rajpoot". The Indian Express. 23 November 2016.
- ^ "Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya Alumnae". Hrmmv.org.
- ^ "Chandigarh Government College of Education celebrates International Women's Day". Hindustan Times.
- ^ "Release of 'Wings of Vision' Magazine by Shri Banwarilal Purohit, Hon'ble Governor Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh". Indianewscalling.
- ^ "Earth Matters with Mike Pandey | Ep # 17". YouTube. Doordarshan. 1 April 2022.
- ^ "List of the feature films Indian" (PDF). CbfcIndia.gov.in.
- ^ "A gaze at danseuse Shovana Narayan's journey". The Indian Express. 7 October 2016.
- ^ "Celebrating an iconic performer". Deccan Herald.
- ^ "Born to dance: Basic philosophy is to preserve art, culture for future generations, says Beenu Rajpoot". The Indian Express. 23 November 2016.
- ^ "Danseuse par excellence: A glimpse into life of a maestro who amazed the world". Hindustan Times.
- ^ "Documentary on martyrs screened at PU". The Times of India. 20 July 2018.
- ^ "Film based on BSF martyr Rocky screened". Tribune.
- ^ "Film based on BSF martyr Rocky screened". Tribune India.
- ^ "Paramilitary honoured in documentary". theweek.in.
- ^ "RPA में डॉक्यूमेन्ट्री फिल्म Wall of Valour – A Tribute to Martyrs की स्क्रिनिंग..." khas khabar (in Hindi). 17 November 2017.
- ^ "Banaras - Ka'ba-e-Hindostan". FilmFreeway.
- ^ "Mirza Ghalib's ode to Banaras captured in a short film". The Times of India. 26 April 2018.
- ^ "Kaba-e-Hindostan: Exploring Ghalib's love for Benares". Tribune.
- ^ "Coming soon: Film to depict Benares through Ghalib's verses". Hindustan Times.
- ^ "An unknown legacy". The Pioneer.
- ^ a b c d "Colours of India – Episode - 322". Youtube. Sansad TV. 7 December 2019.
- ^ Chaki, Bijay (3 December 2019). "Beyond Belief: Visionary for the visually-impaired". The New Indian Express.
- ^ Chatterjee, Pratyusha (8 December 2019). "Different, yet abled". The Asian Age.
- ^ "Lockdown effect: Friends unite after 23 yrs, come up with film". Tribune.
- ^ "Documentary teaser, song launched by HMV Alumnae Welfare Association". Tribune.
- ^ "Indira Gandhi National Art Center" (PDF). Ignca.gov.in.
- ^ "Kathak Lok: Temples, Traditions and History: Shovana Narayan, Geetika Kalha's new book is an eye-opener for Kathak lovers". Firstpost. 5 May 2022.
- ^ "Housefull show of 'Bharat Ki Awaaz' documentary film". News Nation English.
- ^ "Dr. Rishiraj Pathak to pay cinematic tribute to his guru Acharya Ramakant Shukla with a documentary film". Ibtimes. 25 February 2024.
- ^ "Art Society Unveiled". The Asian Age – via PressReader.
- ^ "Beenu Rajpoots film BANARAS: Kaba-E-Hindostan: Ghalibs Ode to Banaras wins the prestigious IDPA National Silver Award". News Nation English.
- ^ "बीनू राजपूत की फिल्म 'बनारसः काबा-ए-हिंदोस्तान' ने जीता आईडीपीए राष्ट्रीय रजत पुरस्कार | Beenu Rajpoot film banaras : Kaba-E-Hindostan wins idpa National Silver Award". Patrika News (in Hindi). 14 June 2024.
- ^ "Filmmaker Beenu Rajpoot Strikes Gold with PSA Photography Medal". News Nation English.
- ^ "डॉक्यूमेंट्री फ़िल्में खोलती हैं दिमाग : फिल्म निर्माता बीनू राजपूत | Documentary films open the mind: Filmmaker Beenu Rajpoot". Patrika News (in Hindi). 31 May 2024.