Director

Vijay Kumar Arora

Vijay Kumar Arora, fondly known as Daddu, is a filmmaker and cinematographer who's made serious waves in Hindi and Punjabi cinema. What's really impressive about his journey is how he's mastered both sides of the camera—first establishing himself as a sought-after cinematographer who's partnered with powerhouses like Mahesh Manjrekar, Anubhav Sinha, and Remo D'Souza. But his directorial work is where things get really exciting. His Punjabi film Harjeeta won him the National Film Award for Best Punjabi Feature Film at the 66th edition, cementing his status as a serious creative force in the industry. What sets Arora apart is his keen eye for authentic storytelling, especially in Punjabi cinema where he's become a defining voice. His film Guddiyan Patole didn't just land him a Best Director nomination at the PTC Punjabi Film Awards in 2020—it went on to snag the Jury's Choice Award for Best Film at the same ceremony that year, proving that critics and audiences vibe with his sensibilities. Whether he's lighting a scene or directing one, Daddu brings a distinctive perspective that blends technical mastery with genuine emotional depth, making him one of the most interesting contemporary voices in regional Hindi and Punjabi filmmaking.