Mandakini Mathur

Mandakini Mathur is an Indian writer, director. She was born in Panchagani, Maharashtra. She did her schooling from Scindiya Kanya Vidyalaya (1975-1979). She graduated in BA (hons), English literature from Lady Shree Ram College for Women (1980-1983). She received her master's in arts degree in French Literature from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi (1983-1986). Further, she did her M.phil in Cinema Studies from Université Sorbonne-Nouvelle, Paris (1988-1989). She has been working as an Independent Filmmaker since 1997. Her documentaries and feature films cover topics relating to children, environmental concerns, Indian culture, and Spirituality etc. She is the founder and director of Roots and Wings Productions (since 2001).

She directed her first feature film, Apa Akka in 2009 (she also credited with its screenplay and production). She is also credited with the script writing for an Indo-British feature film titled A Tiger’s Cry, which deals with the topic of protecting Indian wildlife and forests. She founded Devrai Art Village alongside a tribal artist, Suresh Pungati, in 2008. It is an NGO which helps tribal artists by empowering their craftsmanship and art. Devrai Art Village has brought about a never used before innovation in metal art, ‘Devrai Rock Dhokra’, which is a fusion of stone with brass. This art form is currently under the patent.

Having a passion for writing since a young age, Mandakini has a book of poems titled, ‘ Radha Click to look into! >> Read More... ’ published under her name. She has also authored the book, End if Circle: A Fable of Love. She also teaches communication skills to children with the aid of theatre and film making as a means of creative expression. She has also written more than 15 plays and street plays.