Director

Bhimsain

Bhimsain Khurana was a true pioneer who shaped Indian cinema in ways most people don't even realize. Born in Multan and trained at Lucknow College of Arts and Crafts, he built an extraordinary career as a director, producer, screenwriter, and animator—basically a creative polymath. His live-action dramas like Gharaonda (1977) and Dooriyaan (1979) earned critical acclaim and established him as a serious filmmaker, but it's his work in animation that truly secured his legacy. Along with Ram Mohan, he's rightfully called the Father of Indian Animation, and the recognition came in the form of 16 National Awards from the President—a testament to his massive contribution to Indian cinema over decades. What made Bhimsain special was his refusal to stay in one lane. While directing compelling narratives with powerhouse actors like Amol Palekar and Sharmila Tagore, he was simultaneously revolutionizing animation in India. His short film Ek Anek Aur Ekta (1974) became a Doordarshan staple in the '70s, bringing animation to Indian households when it was practically unheard of. He went on to create Vartmaan (1994), India's largest animation series at the time, proving that his vision extended far beyond traditional cinema. Until his passing in 2018, Bhimsain remained an unsung hero who helped establish Indian animation as a legitimate art form and inspired generations of creators.