Kabir Khan, a renowned Bollywood director, stands out from the rest with his unique cinematic approach, deeply rooted in documentary filmmaking. He graduated from Delhi University's Kirori Mal College and initially gained recognition for his exceptional cinematography in the 1995 documentary "Beyond the Himalayas", which was later broadcast on the Discovery channel. Directed by veteran filmmaker Gautam Ghose, this documentary showcased Kabir's remarkable skills and earned widespread popularity.
Kabir made his directorial debut with the documentary "The Forgotten Army" in 1999, which explored Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's role in the Indian Freedom Struggle and the Indian National Army. His work on documentaries continued to impress, with notable films like "Taliban years and Beyond" and "The Titanic Sinks in Kabul" in 2001.
In 2006, Kabir ventured into mainstream Bollywood with "Kabul Express", a film that delved into the complexities of the Taliban and Afghanistan. Although the movie performed averagely, it marked the beginning of his journey in Bollywood and showcased his nascent cinematic style.
Kabir's 2009 film "New York" tackled a sensitive topic, exploring the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the American retaliation. Set against the backdrop of the devastating event, the movie received decent box-office numbers.
In 2012, Kabir's blockbuster hit "Ek Tha Tiger" was released, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. Scheduled for an Eid release, the film garnered a massive audience and has been performing exceptionally well. Critics have praised Kabir's ability to adapt to the Bollywood style, under the Yash Raj Films banner, while still retaining his signature journalistic flair. Trade analysts agree that Kabir has evolved, but his unique charm remains intact.
