Women's Day 2024: 4 Talented Female Cinematographers Transforming Bollywood

The bollywood film industry was predominantly male-centric earlier, relegating women to roles like playback singing or the archetypal characters of heroines, mothers, sisters, or item girls on screen. However, a gradual transformation has unfolded, introducing a cohort of women directors who have not only commanded the directorial helm but have also demonstrated their expertise in diverse technical roles such as editing, composing, lyrics, choreography, and production design.

In the realm of cinematography and camerawork, Indian women have notably established themselves, making significant contributions and leaving a lasting impact. Let's explore some of these pioneering women who are reshaping the landscape of Indian cinema.

Priya Seth

Priya Seth is one of the famous Indian female cinematographers in bollywood, who began her career as an assistant camerawoman and clapper to ace cinematographer Giles Nuttgens for films like ‘Earth’ (1999) and ‘Holy Smoke’ (1999). Priya became an independent cinematographer with the Naseeruddin Shah starrer ‘Barah Aana’ directed by Raja Krishna Menon in 2009. Her other films have been ‘Airlift’ (2016) and ‘Chef’ (2017). She is also known as an underwater cinematographer specialist for handling the underwater shots of ‘Dhobi Ghat,’ ‘Mardaani 2’ and ‘Tandav’ web series.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Priya Seth (@shooterseth)

Sunita Radia

Originating from an ultra-conservative and non-filmy background in Jharkhand, Sunita Radia ventured into Mumbai with aspirations of becoming a cinematographer (institution to study cinematography.) Overcoming initial challenges, her life changed when she secured a role as an assistant camerawoman under Binod Pradhan for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's ‘Devdas.’ This opportunity paved the way for her to serve as an associate cinematographer on notable films such as ‘Munnabhai M.B.B.S’ (2003), ‘Rang De Basanti’ (2006), ‘Ta Ra Rum Pum’ (2007), and ‘Heroes’ (2008).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sunitta Radia (@radiasunita)

Progressing in her career, she ascended to the position of director of photography with the sci-fi film ‘Aalaap’ in 2012. Sunita Radia's journey reflects her determination and success in carving her niche in the Indian film industry.

Fowzia Fathima

Fowzia Fathima, a prominent Indian women cinematographer, has made a significant impact not only in bollywood but also in the South Indian film industries of mollywood and kollywood. Before her foray into directing, Fathima showcased her skills as a cinematographer in actress Revathi’s directorial debut film, ‘Mitr: My Friend,’ in 2002. She further demonstrated her cinematographic prowess in the Tusshar Kapoor and Esha Deol starrer ‘Kucch To Hai’ in 2003. Her versatile talents span across different film industries, marking her as a distinguished figure in the field of cinematography and direction.

Don't Miss:Women’s Day 2024: 5 Bollywood Celebrities Who Are Working For The Welfare Of Women

Deepti Gupta

As a founding member of the Indian Women Cinematographers Collective (IWCC), Deepti Gupta has made significant strides since her graduation in cinematography from the Film and TV Institute of India (FTII) in 1998. Her journey in the film industry began as the second operative camera-woman in ‘The Warrior’ in 2001.

Don't Miss: Women's Day 2024: Bollywood Actresses Who've Transitioned From On-Screen Stars To Powerhouse Producers

Subsequently, Gupta ventured into solo cinematography, contributing to films such as ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.’ (2007) and ‘The Fakir of Venice’ (2019). Her career trajectory underscores not only her success but also her role as a pioneering force in promoting the visibility and recognition of women cinematographers in the Indian film industry.