No one would have imagined that a student who was scolded by his teachers for making silly mistakes while acting in a village school drama, would one day create a niche for himself in the cine world. Yet, this feat has been accomplished by National award-winning film director Himansu Sekhar Khatua.
Himansu Khatua was born to Kunjalata Khatua and Rabindra Khatua on 21st December 1965 in Khatuapatna village of Bhadrak district. After getting his primary education from the village school, he completed his secondary education and college studies from different places of Odisha. Later, in 1992 he completed PG Diploma in Cinema with specialisation in Sound Recording and Sound Engineering (SRSE) from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Following completion of studies, he started his career in the Hindi film industry for a short span, but soon decided to return to Odisha and do something for his own State.
After returning to his home state, Khatua started his career in Odia films as a Sound Recordist and Sound designer with the film ‘Indradhanura Chhai, directed by his bosom friend Sushanta Mishra and produced by Jugal Debata. Following the success of his first movie, his career took off as he was offered by Alaya Mohanty to direct a film. Even as a youth, his way of thinking was different.
In 2005, Mr. Khatua directed the first film "Kathantara" sponsored by KIIT KISS Founder Prof. Dr. Achyuta Samanta and produced by Dr. Itirani Samanta, founder of Odisha's most popular family magazine Kadambini. Apart from bagging the Best Film Award (Odia), the film bagged State awards in multiple categories including Best Direction, Best film and Best story.
Later, ‘Kahani Nuhen,’ directed by him and produced by Kadambini Media won the best short film in the first State Telefilm Awards. Mr. Khatua earned much appreciation for directing ‘Kahe Ballava’, an experimental film based on Moghul Tamsa and Odishan culture. The film bagged rave reviews after being screened at the International Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival, International Mumbai Short Film Festival and South Asian Short Film Festival.
Himansu Khatua has not only successfully scripted his own films, but has also earned accolades for directing movies scripted by others which have got huge success. Later, his film ‘Matira Bandhana’ based on the ‘Trunk of Ganesha’ by Jayanta Mohapatra garnered huge appreciation. ‘Krantidhara,’ one of his other directorial based on the novel ‘Jhada Parara Surya’, written by Dr Itirani Samant films has earned several awards and huge appreciation. The movie earned State Film Awards, Asian Excellency Award in the international levels and also adjudged as the best film at the South Korean Film Festival.
Achievements
- The debut feature film ‘Shunya Swaroopa’ won the National Award in the category of BEST ORIYA FILM in 44th NATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, India.
- It also won Orissa State Award for BEST FEATURE FILM, BEST DIRECTION, BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, BEST MUSIC and BEST ART DIRECTION.
- Participated in the main programme of 27th ROTTERDAM FILM FESTIVAL, THE NETHERLANDS, 1998
- Participated in the competitive section of SOCHI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, RUSSIA, 1997
- Participated in the 21st GOTEBORG FILM FESTIVAL, SWEDEN, 1998
- Participated in the 34th PESARO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, ITALY, 1998
- Participated in the 13th CINEMA JOVE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, VALENCIA, SPAIN – 1998.
- Kathantara has participated and acclaimed in 5th Asian Film Festival, Mumbai; 12th Kolkata Film Festival, Kolkata, 11th International Film Festival, Kerala, 4th Cine India International Film Festival, Noida, 1st Hyderabad International Film Festival, Hyderabad , Bollywood & Beyond Film Festival in Germany-07. It is also selected to the South Asian Film Festival, Bangladesh.
- Actress Anu Chaudhury won the Best Actress Award for Kathantara in 4th Cine India International Film Festival, Noida
- Kathantara got eight awards of 18th Orissa State Film Award Those are Mohan Sundar Dev Goswami Award for Best Production, Best direction, Best Music Direction, Best Story, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor & Actress and Best Audiography.
- Kathantara got National Award as the Best regional language film in Oriya for the year 2005
Similarly, he earned much appreciation for the telefilm ‘Prayaschita’ telecasted in Doordarshan and written by legendary writer Fakir Mohan Senapati. Besides, he successfully directed TV serials such as ‘Abhisapta Jarayu’ and ‘Bhagnansa’ that are regarded as milestones in the Odia television world. He has also made a documentary on Lord Akhandalamani of Odisha in 16 MM. He also has a few educational films to his credit.
Not only film making, but Himanshu Khatua has also organised Kalinga Global Film Festival in Odisha to make Indian films to reach out to the masses. Besides, he was appointed a jury member in many national and international film fests.
Mr. Himanshu Khatua has simultaneously demonstrated unparalleled excellence in filmmaking, talent creation for the film industry and strong media leadership. The government of India has recently appointed him as the director of the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, a premier educational institution run by the central government. He is the first person from Odia film industry to have achieved this coveted feat.
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