Five women directors

Women are getting involved in film-making more than ever before. Women directors are taking over the industry by storm giving us some of the most memorable films in the past decade. Be it masala blockbuster maker Farah Khan or Gauri Shinde who made the beautiful 'English Vinglish' that touched our hearts.

But the industry has seen a lot of female directors who have challenged the otherwise male dominated B-town. Here is a list of some of the best the industry has seen:

Deepa Mehta

'Earth', 'Water', 'Fire' – Mehta the Indo-Canadian filmmaker has had her share of controversies as she touches topics of homosexuality, partition and many others. But the way she handles her subject, this talented director has received heavy international acclaim as well. Both '1947 Earth' and 'Water' were sent to be nominated for Oscars.

Kalpana Lajmi

Being an artist is in Lajmi's blood. Daughter of painter Lalita Lajmi and niece of auteur Guru Dutt, she has some of the best parallel films to her credit, the most famous of which is 'Rudaali' starring Dimple Kapadia. 'Daman', a woman centric film starring Raveena Tandon(who won a National Award for her role) was highly appreciated by critics and audiences for the realistic portrayal of marital abuse and its message of women empowerment.

Aparna Sen

A big name in Bengali cinema as an actress in her time, when Sen forayed into going behind the camera the anticipation was huge. She turned out to be one of the best behind as well. '36 Chowringhee Lane' (1981) connected emotionally with her audience and she has never looked back. 'Iti Mrinalini', 'Mr. and Mrs. Iyer', 'The Japanese Wife', 'Goynar Baksho' have all been very well received by the audience and people are only waiting for more.

Sai Paranjpye

This Padma Bhushan Awardee has given us some of the most memorable movies in the 80s and the 90s. The most well known of them is 'Sparsh' which went on to win three National Awards as well as three Filmfare Awards. Her comedy 'Chashme Baddoor' remains a classic even today. Sai made another heart warming musical film called 'Saaz' in 1997 which also starred internationally acclaimed tabla artist Zakir Hussain.

Mira Nair

Possibly the most well known female director from India in the international circuit, Mira Nair is known for portraying human stories on the big screen. 'Salaam Bombay', her first film was successful in putting her on the map and her subsequent work ('Namesake', 'Monsoon Wedding' etc.) has only strengthened her position as one of the best filmmakers India has produced.