HUMANITIES INSTITUTE Stuart Blackburn, Ph.D.

Ramesh Sippy (1947- )

Life

Ramesh Sipahimalani (Sippy) was born in today’s Pakistan, but his family, as wealthy Hindus, moved to Bombay during the Partition when he was only a year old. His father soon became a successful producer in Bollywood, and it is no exaggeration to say that Ramesh Sippy grew up on movie sets. He acted in a film when he was nine and began to learn the art of directing as a teenager. After years as an assistant, Sippy directed his first film in 1971 and became well-known with his hit Embers (Sholay) in 1975, which is now recognised as a true classic. None of his later films has matched Embers as a sensational hit, although Pride (Shaan) is regarded as a highpoint in terms of production values. In recent years, he has turned to directing television dramas, with moderate success.

Sippy has been married twice and has three children. His second wife, Kiran Junega, is a well-known actress, and his son, Rohan Sippy, is a film director.

Achievements

Ramesh Sippy was honoured in 2005, when Filmfare named Embers the best film of the past half- century. In 2012, he received an IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) award for his significant contribution to Indian cinema. And in 2013, he was given the Padma Shri, a national award honouring cultural achievement.

List of films (as director)

Crazy Times, Zamana Deewana (1995) Alone, Akayla (1991) Corruption, Bhrashtachar (1989) Land, Zameen (1987) Sea, Saagar (1985) Power, Shakti (1982) Pride, Shaan (1980) Embers, Sholay (1975) Sita and Gita, Seeta Aur Geeta (1972) Style, Andaz (1971)

(Ramesh Sippy)