If the name of the versatile artist of the film industry is taken, then the name of Vishal Bhardwaj will come on top in that list. He is not interested in any introduction. As a music, writer, director and producer, he has given many memorable films to Hindi cinema. However, very few people know that he wanted to make a career in sports, not in the entertainment industry.

Born on 4 August 1965 in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, he wanted to wave a bat in the field of cricket. Vishal was born to Ram Bhardwaj and Satya Bhardwaj. His father used to write poems and songs for Hindi films. Vishal’s childhood was spent in Najibabad and Meerut. His passion towards cricket was so much that he had played for the Under-19 team of Uttar Pradesh. But the thumb injury during a practice session put a stop to his cricket career.

Vishal Bhardwaj became musicians before becoming director

At the age of 17, Vishal composed a song, which his father heard to composer Usha Khanna. The song was used in the 1985 film Yaar Kasam, which laid the foundation for his music journey. He met Rekha Bhardwaj, who later became his wife while studying at Hindu College in Delhi. Both have a son- Akash Bhardwaj, who is an emerging director.

Vishal started his career in the year 1995 as a musician with the film ‘Abhay: The Fearless’. But, Gulzar’s film ‘Machis’ gave him recognition, for which he was made as a composer Filmfare R.D. Burman Award received. After this, his music in ‘Satya’ and ‘Godamdar’ played an important role in speeding up his career. He received the National Award for Best Music Director for ‘Godamdar’.

Vishal started directing with children’s film

In 2002, Vishal started direction with the children’s film ‘Spider’, which was well received by critics. Shabana Azmi starrer film was successful.

Vishal’s talent looks well in his 2003 ‘Maqbool’, ‘Omkara’ of 2006 and ‘Haider’ of 2014. All these films are based on Shakespeare’s plays. These films brought him international fame.

‘Haider’ won five National Awards, although there was a controversy over the film, but it is considered one of his best films. In 2009, ‘Kaminey’ and ‘7 Khoon Maaf’ in 2011 also appreciated the unique style of telling his story.

‘Omkara’ was made at the behest of Aamir Khan

Vishal had told during an interview that Aamir Khan had inspired him to make a film (Omkara) on Shakespeare’s play ‘Othello’. He himself wanted to play the role of ‘Langa Tyagi’ in this film. But, for some reasons he could not be a part of it.

After this, Vishal further added his creativity to Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola and 2017 in 2017. Vishal also produced and written films like ‘Ishqiya’, ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ and ‘Talwar’. His pairing with Gulzar gave many memorable songs like ‘Dil To Bacha Hai Ji’.

Vishal has received 9 National Awards and a Filmfare Award. His film ‘Spider’ received the Best Film Award at the Chicago International Children Film Festival, while ‘Omkara’ and ‘Haider’ received praise on international forums.