Director

Puneet Issar

Puneet Issar's career is a masterclass in versatility—he's done it all, from playing the iconic villain Duryodhana in B.R. Chopra's legendary Mahabharat series to founding his own production banner. What really set him apart early on was his unforgettable performance as a negative character in Manmohan Desai's 1983 thriller Coolie, which earned him serious recognition in the industry. Since then, he's dabbled in everything from acting to writing, producing, and directing, building a reputation as a multi-talented craftsman who doesn't just stick to one lane. His work spans both big-screen hits and acclaimed TV projects, proving he's equally comfortable commanding attention on screen or orchestrating magic from behind the camera. What makes Issar's directorial vision unique is his ability to blend commercial appeal with solid storytelling—his debut film Garv (2004) with Salman Khan showcased his knack for taut cop dramas that keep audiences on edge. Beyond direction, he's contributed immensely to Bollywood as a dialect coach and acting mentor, refining the craft of countless performers. His recent work, particularly The Kashmir Files, demonstrates that he's still pushing boundaries and taking on meaningful, hard-hitting narratives. Whether it's television work like Choti Sarrdaarni or his ventures into digital content with shows like Parchhayee: Ghost Stories by Ruskin Bond, Issar continues to prove that great storytelling is his true north.