Ashutosh Gowariker, an Indian film director was born on February 15, 1968. He is also a versatile actor, director, writer, and producer.

Career of Ashutosh Gowariker
Ashutosh Gowariker started his career as an actor, making his debut in 1984 movie `Holi`. The film was directed Ketan Mehta. He then acted in several television serials, including Kachchi Dhoop and Circus, and some movies as for example `Naam`, `Chamatkar` and `Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa.` He started his directorial career with `Pehla Nasha` in the year 1993. The movie was inspired by Brian De Palma`s Hollywood movie, `Body Double.` It was not at all marked at the box office and was a huge flop. His second directorial movie `Baazi` starring Aamir Khan also was not up to the mark. In 2001 Ashutosh directed the outstanding film `Lagaan` starring Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh. Aamir Khan was also the producer of the film. `Lagaan` received critical acclaim and also nomination for an Oscar Academy Award in USA for Best Foreign Language Film. It ranked third among 2001 Indian movies in terms of gross revenue. In 2004, Ashutosh directed `Swades`, starring Shahrukh Khan. `Swades` received high critical acclaim, and also much popularity overseas, but it did not do well at the box office in India. He has also directed number of ad films, which are shown in different channels, and all of them are biggest hits. He next directed another periodic movie `Jodha Akbar` starring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan. The movie was a blockbuster hit at the box office and even in overseas. The movie was also received many awards. Gowariker directed two more movies, `What`s Your Raashee?` starring Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja and next `Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey` another periodic movie with Abhishek Bachchan in the lead.

Awards and Honours of Ashutosh Gowariker
2001, Lagaan
National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
Filmfare Awards for Best Director, Best Film and Best Story
IIFA Awards for Best Director and Best Movie
Star Screen Awards for Best Director, Best Film and Best Screenplay
Zee Cine Awards for Best Director, Best Film and Best Story
Jury Award at Bergen International Film Festival
Audience Awards at Leeds and Locarno International Film Festivals
Audience Award at NatFilm Festival
Best Film at Portland International Film Festival

2004, Swades
Filmfare Best Actor Award - Shahrukh Khan
Star Screen Award Special Jury Award
Zee Cine Awards for Best Director (Critics` Choice) and Best Story

2008, Jodhaa Akbar
Filmfare Best Director Award
Filmfare Best Movie Award
Star Screen Award for Best Director
Audience Award for Best Foreign Language Film at Sao Paulo International Film Festival
Best Film at Golden Minbar International Film Festival (Kazan, Russia)

Filmography of Ashutosh Gowariker
As a Director
Year Film
1993 Pehla Nasha
1995 Baazi
2001 Lagaan
2004 Swades
2008 Jodhaa Akbar
2009 What`s Your Raashee?
2010 Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey