Nagesh Bhonsle

Nagesh Bhonsle is that rare Bollywood talent who's equally comfortable playing the villain and wearing the director's hat. With over a hundred Indian films to his credit and thousands of TV episodes under his belt, he's built a genuinely impressive career across cinema, television, and theatre. He's particularly beloved as one of Marathi cinema's favourite antagonists, a reputation earned through sheer versatility and screen presence. His work extends to major Hindi films too—he appeared alongside Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, and Jason Isaacs in the acclaimed 2018 thriller Hotel Mumbai. But his crowning recent achievement? Acting in the short film Anuja, which landed a nomination at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025, putting him in some seriously prestigious company. Beyond acting, Nagesh proved he's got the creative vision to back his ambitions when he founded Ajna Motion Picture in 2014. His directorial ventures have earned him serious festival credentials—Panhala premiered to critical acclaim and screened at top international festivals including China's Golden Rooster, while his follow-up Nati Khel became an absolute festival darling, racking up Best Director honors at Ottawa International Film Festival, multiple awards at prestigious Indian film festivals, and selections at circuits from LA to Pune. What sets Nagesh apart is his commitment to meaningful storytelling that travels beyond borders, proving that Indian cinema's strength lies in directors willing to take creative risks and tell authentic stories.