Meghna Gulzar Biography: Husband, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Movies & Family Background

Meghna Gulzar is an Indian film director, writer, and producer, celebrated for her thought-provoking and socially relevant films such as Talvar (2015), Raazi (2018), and Chhapaak (2020).

As the daughter of renowned lyricist Gulzar and actress Raakhee, she has carved her own niche in the Hindi film industry with a distinct storytelling style that blends emotional depth with real-life narratives.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Meghna Gulzar
  • Stage Name: Meghna Gulzar
  • Born: 13, December 1973
  • Age: 52 years old
  • Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Nationality: Indian
  • Occupation: Film Director, Writer, Producer
  • Height: 1.63m
  • Parents: Sampooran Singh Kalra, Raakhee Gulzar
  • Siblings: None
  • Spouse: Govind Sandhu (m. 2000)
  • Children: Samay Sandhu
  • Relationship: Married
  • Net Worth: $1.5 million

Early Life and Education

Meghna Gulzar was born on December 13, 1973, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, to Sampooran Singh Kalra, known professionally as Gulzar, a celebrated poet and lyricist, and Raakhee Gulzar, a prominent actress. As an only child, she grew up in a creative household but faced an unconventional childhood due to her parents’ separation when she was one year old.

Gulzar completed her schooling at St. Xavier’s School, Mumbai, and graduated with a degree in Sociology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. In 1995, she pursued a short filmmaking course at the Tisch School of Arts, New York University. Her ethnicity is Indian, and she follows Sikhism, though she keeps her religious beliefs private.

Career

Meghna Gulzar began her career as a freelance writer for The Times of India and the NFDC publication Cinema in India, while also publishing poetry with the Poetry Society of India. After graduating, she worked as an assistant director under filmmaker Saeed Akhtar Mirza on the film Naseem and later assisted her father on Maachis (1996) and Hu Tu Tu (1999), where she debuted as a screenwriter. Her directorial debut, Filhaal (2002), explored the sensitive topic of surrogacy but received mixed reviews and limited commercial success. Her second film, Just Married (2007), and a short film, Pooranmasi, in the anthology Dus Kahaniyaan (2007), also struggled to make an impact, leading her to take an eight-year sabbatical.

Meghna’s breakthrough came with Talvar (2015), a gripping drama based on the 2008 Noida double murder case, which earned widespread critical acclaim and a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Director. Her 2018 spy thriller Raazi, adapted from Harinder Sikka’s novel Calling Sehmat, became a major commercial success, grossing over ₹193 crore worldwide and winning her the Filmfare Award for Best Director. She followed this with Chhapaak (2020), a biographical drama about acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, starring Deepika Padukone, which was praised for its sensitive portrayal despite mixed commercial performance.

Meghna Gulzar’s recent work includes Sam Bahadur (2023), a biographical film on India’s first Field Marshal, Sam Manekshaw, starring Vicky Kaushal, which received positive reviews for its nuanced depiction of military history. She is set to direct an upcoming project with Sidharth Malhotra, based on a true story, slated to begin filming in 2024. Her ability to tackle complex, real-life narratives with empathy and precision has solidified her reputation as a filmmaker who pushes boundaries while resonating with audiences and critics alike.

Social Media

  • Instagram Handle: @meghnagulzar
  • Twitter Handle: @meghnagulzar

Personal Life

Meghna Gulzar married businessman Govind Sandhu, co-founder and CFO of Antworks Pte. Ltd., in 2000. The couple has a son, Samay Sandhu. Raised primarily by her mother, Raakhee, after her parents’ separation, Meghna spent significant time in Kashmir during her childhood due to her parents’ shooting schedules. She maintains a low-profile personal life, focusing on her family and career.

Filmography

  • Hu Tu Tu (1999)
  • Filhaal (2002)
  • Just Married (2007)
  • Dus Kahaniyaan (2007)
  • Talvar (2015)
  • Raazi (2018)
  • Chhapaak (2020)
  • Sam Bahadur (2023)

Net Worth

Meghna Gulzar has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. Her primary sources of income include her work as a director, writer, and producer in the Hindi film industry, with significant earnings from successful films like Raazi and Sam Bahadur.

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