Shyamaprasad is a critically acclaimed Indian film director. He is known for films like Agnisakshi (1999), Ore Kadal (2007), Akale (2004) and Arike: So Close (2012). His works for TV and
cinema have made him win several national and state awards. His films Agnisakshi and Akale were adjudged the best regional films of the nation in the years 1998 and 2004. As a mark of respect for his talent and experience, Shyamaprasad was invited to serve twice as the jury of the
National Film Awards.
Early Life and Education of Shyamaprasad
He was born on 1960 in the
Kerala state of India. His father is O. Rajagopal and mother is Dr. Shantha Kumari. His father is a
BJP leader and former Union Minister.
He studied
Theatre Arts from the School of
Drama,
Calicut University. In the year 1989, he received the Commonwealth Scholarship and did his Masters in Media Production at the Hull University, England.
Television Career of Shyamaprasad
Shyamaprasad worked as an intern at the BBC and Channel 4. There he was a media researcher and creative contributor. He returned and made his name as a young director with
Doordarsan. He did a few
documentary films for
television which gave a new dimension to the Malayalam documentaries. He presently serves as the President (Programming) of Amrita TV.
He has also adapted the works of various award winning writers like Anton Chekhov (Vivahalochana); Albert Camus (The Just); Vaikom Muhammad Basheer (Viswavikhyathamaya Mookku); Madhavikkutty (Venalinte Ozhivu); Sarah Joseph (Nilavariyunnu), N. P. Mohammed (Ullurukkam) and K. Radhakrishnan (Shamanathalam) for television. Shyamaprasad was honoured with the Best Television Director prize for the years 1993, 1994, and 1996.
Film Career of Shyamaprasad
In the year 1998, he debuted as a film director with the Malayalam movie 'Kallu Kondoru Pennu. He made his second movie 'Agnisakshi' in 1999. The film was based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Lalithambika Antharjanam. The film starred actress Shobhana in the lead role and turned Shyamaprasad into a national figure. It won national award for best
Malayalam cinema.
In 2007, he made 'Ore Kadal', based on a Bengali novel by
Sunil Gangopadhyay. The film was chosen as the inaugural film of the Indian Panorama at the
International Film Festival of India 2007. It made him win his third National Award in the year 2009. In the same year, he released 'Ritu' which received applaud both from the audience and critics.
His other films are Bokshu: The Myth, Kerala Cafe, Elektra,
English, and Artist.
Personal Life of Shyamaprasad
He has tied the knot with Sheeba and has two children. He is currently staying in Trivandrum.
Achievements of Shyamaprasad
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam: Agnisakshi (1998)
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam: Akale (2004)
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam: Ore Kadal (2007)
Kerala State Film Award for Best Film: Agnisakshi (1998)
Kerala State Film Award for Best Director: Agnisakshi (1998)
Kerala State Film Award for Best Director: Akale (2004)
Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Film: Ore Kadal (2007)
Kerala State Film Award for Best Director: Elektra (2010)
Kerala State Film Award for Best Director: Artist (2013)
Filmfare Best Director Award Malayalam: Agnisakshi (1999)
Filmfare Best Director Award Malayalam: Artist (2013)
