R. Balakrishnan, better known as Balki, is a prominent Indian filmmaker and screenwriter renowned for his unconventional storytelling approach.
Following his education, Balki kickstarted his career in advertising before making his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film Cheeni Kum in 2007, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu, which garnered widespread acclaim for its unique narrative and outstanding performances.
Balki's subsequent film, Paa, released in 2009, featured Amitabh Bachchan in a remarkable performance as a child suffering from progeria, a rare genetic disorder, and the film turned out to be a commercial success, winning several awards, including the 2009 National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Balki continued to create thought-provoking films, such as Shamitabh, which explored the relationship between a mute actor and his voice actor, and Ki & Ka, which challenged gender stereotypes by depicting a house husband and a career-oriented wife. His film, Pad Man, addressed the stigma surrounding menstruation and promoted menstrual hygiene.
His short film, Chup, was released in February 2021, and it has been widely appreciated by critics and audiences alike for its sensitive portrayal of a complex issue and its ability to spark a conversation around it.
In addition to his filmmaking career, Balki has written several successful ad campaigns, including the famous Daag Ache Hain for Surf Excel. He also produced the TV series Chup and the film Mission Mangal.
Balki is married to Gauri Shinde, a renowned director and filmmaker. The two first met when Balki was looking for a writer to work on his ad films, and Shinde was recommended to him. They eventually fell in love and married in 2007. Despite their busy schedules, they collaborated on several projects, with Balki producing Shinde's films and Shinde working on the scripts for Balki's films.
Balki's journey in the film industry has been marked by his innovative storytelling style, thought-provoking themes, and dedication to creating meaningful content.
