Nupur Asthana
Biography
Nupur Asthana is an acclaimed Indian film and television director and screenwriter, celebrated for her insightful storytelling that often delves into youth culture, identity, and contemporary social issues.
🎓 Early Life and Education
Born in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, Nupur Asthana spent her formative years in Kolkata and Hyderabad. She pursued English Literature at Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), Delhi University, where she actively participated in dramatics and led the college's dramatics society. Furthering her passion for media, she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Communications Media from Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai.
🎬 Career
Television
Asthana began her career as an intern with filmmaker Ketan Mehta and later served as the Chief Assistant Director on the film Aar Ya Paar (1997), where she also lent her voice for dubbing.
Her independent directorial debut came with the television series Hip Hip Hurray (1998–2001) on Zee TV, which became a cult classic for its realistic portrayal of high school life.
She continued to explore diverse narratives with shows like Hubahu, a drama about twin sisters swapping lives, and Mahi Way, which tackled themes of body image and self-acceptance.
Films
Asthana made her film directorial debut with Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011), a youth-centric romantic comedy that received critical acclaim for its fresh take on online identities and relationships.
In 2014, she directed Bewakoofiyaan, a romantic comedy starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Sonam Kapoor, and Rishi Kapoor, which explored the dynamics of love and career in modern relationships.
Digital Platforms
Embracing the digital medium, Asthana directed Romil & Jugal (2017) for ALT Balaji, a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet with a homosexual twist, which was praised for its sensitive portrayal of same-sex relationships.
She also contributed to Amazon Prime Video's Four More Shots Please! (2020) and directed an episode of Modern Love: Mumbai (2022), further showcasing her versatility and commitment to telling diverse stories.
🏆 Recognition
Asthana's work has been recognized for its authenticity and relevance. She was nominated for Best Debut Director at The Screen Awards for Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge.
Nupur Asthana continues to be a significant voice in Indian cinema and television, known for her nuanced storytelling and ability to capture the complexities of contemporary life.
