Ayan Mukerji, one of the most popular Bollywood directors, is celebrating his 40th birthday today (August 15). He was born in a Bengali Hindu family in 1983 in Kolkata, West Bengal. Making his directorial debut with the coming-of-age Bollywood film Wake Up Sid (2009) starring Ranbir Kapoor, Ayan Mukerji went on to direct one of the most loved Hindi films, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in 2013. The movie celebrating love and friendship has carved a special place in our hearts. In 2022, Ayan Mukerji directed the blockbuster hit Brahmastra: Part One - Shiva, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Amitabh Bachchan in the lead roles. ‘Animal’: Ranbir Kapoor’s Deleted Scene From Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Film Goes Viral; Fans Upset Over Its Exclusion (Watch Video).
The multitalented filmmaker is now gearing up for his next project, this time venturing into the action genre with the highly anticipated War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. As we celebrate the multitalented filmmaker on his special day, let us check out some lesser-known facts about him.
‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ Reunion
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1. Ayan Mukerji Is Cousin to Kajol and Rani Mukerji
Did you know that Ayan Mukerji was related to Bollywood divas Kajol and Rani Mukerji? Ayan Mukerji comes from one of the most influential families in the industry. Rani and Kajol are first cousins from their paternal side, and even Ayan happens to be their brother. One of Ayan Mukerji's grandfathers, Sashadhar Mukherjee's brother, was Rani's grandfather, Ravindra Mohan Mukherjee. On the other hand, Kajol's father, Shomu Mukherjee, is Ayan's dad, Seb Mukherjee's brother. The trio have been spotted together during their Durga Puja celebrations.
2. Ayan Mukerji Was a College Droput
Ayan Mukerji completed his schooling at the Jamnabhai Narsee School in Mumbai. He later dropped out of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology in the first year to chase his dreams of becoming a filmmaker. Ayan Mukerji assisted filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker in the film Swades (2004) starring Shah Rukh Khan. He also wrote the screenplay of the film.
3. Ayan Was an Assistant Director in KJo’s ‘Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna’
Before making it big in Bollywood, Ayan Mukerji tested his skills in several projects. Karan Johar and Ayan's collaboration traces way before his debut film Wake Up Sid. Three years before making his directorial debut, Ayan, the budding director, worked as an assistant director for KJo's 2006 film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.
4. Ayan Mukerji Doesn’t Wish To Direct a Bengali Film
Despite coming from a prominent Bengali family with a strong presence in the industry, the filmmaker has stated his reluctance to create a Bengali film due to its limited audience reach. Jr NTR Turns 41! Hrithik Roshan Extends Heartfelt Birthday Wishes to His War 2 Co-Star, Says ‘This Time We Spin Together!’.
As the filmmaker celebrates his birthday today, we wish him a very happy year ahead. May he continue to captivate audiences with even more relatable content in the years to come.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2024 08:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).