Top 10 Best Pahari Directors

Dogri Cinema, also known as Western Pahari Cinema or Pahariwood, creates films in languages normally spoken in the Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Pahariwood is a wholesome term that also includes films created in the state of Uttarakhand, be it in the Garhwali or Kumaoni languages. These cinemas, though not that popular, still amazes other industries with their talent.

1. Jagjit Sethi

Jagjit Sethi is a filmmaker, he is known for directing "Mainz Raat" (1964), which is the first Kashmiri feature film. His work acted as a catalyst in introducing Kashmiri culture and narratives to the cinematic world. In spite of the limited availability of filmmaking resources and tensions in Kashmir at that time, he was adamant in his vision. He made "Mainz Raat" a romantic drama highlighting the rich culture of Kashmir and set the stage for future regional films.

2. Tariq Bhat Tariq Bhat is an Indian-Director. He works in the >> Read More...

Tariq Bhat is from Kashmir. He is a talented filmmaker who has gained recognition for directing "Welcome to Kashmir," which was released in 2023. It is the first Kashmiri-produced Bollywood film to be screened in Kashmiri cinemas, marking a significant milestone for the regional film industry. This film shows his dedication to bring the authentic Kashmiri perspective and stories to the whole of India. The blending of regional cultural elements with the larger Bollywood cinematic framework makes us appreciate each other.

3. Ved Rahi Ved Rahi is one of film director from India born i >> Read More...

Ved Rahi is a highly respected figure in Indian literature and cinema. He is celebrated for his contribution in both fields. He is born in Jammu on May 22, 1933; he has significantly impacted Dogri literature and Indian cinema. He has directed several notable films, such as "Veer Savarkar" (2001), "Prem Parbat" (1973), and "Kali Ghata" (1980). He has also contributed to screenplays and dialogues for Bollywood films like "Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi" (1966) and "Charas" (1976), showcasing his versatility in storytelling across different genres and themes. He has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Sahitya Akademi Award for his short story collection called "Aale" in 1983 and the Kusumagraj Rashtriya Sahitya Puraskar in 2019, underscoring his profound influence on Dogri literature. Moreover, his short film named Bobo Kadu Aaug exemplifies his dedication to promoting Dogri culture through visual storytelling.

4. Amit Choudhary

Amit Choudhary is a regional filmmaker in Dogri cinema. His film "Maa Ni Mildi," has made a significant impact. It was released on August 13, 2010, under Yashmi Films International. He was the producer, director, and writer of this film. "Maa Ni Mildi" is the first color Dogri film released after a long gap since "Gallan Hoyian Beetiyan" in 1966. The film was praised for being family-friendly and showing the authentic culture of the region.

5. Neelam Kumar Phull Named as N.K Phull, he is an Indian actor who has >> Read More...

Neelam Kumar Phull is a veteran director known for his work in Dogri cinema. He directed and produced the infamous film named "Kuggi Maar Duaari" under the banner of Shree T Creations. The film shows the story of a village boy who desires to become a flute player. The film was successful and was released in various regions, including Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, and cities in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

6. Sanjeev Rattan Sanjeev Rattan is a renowned film director who has >> Read More...

Sanjeev Rattan is a famous director, particularly in Dogri-language films. He was born in Khaniara village, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. He completed his M.A. in theatre and arts from Punjab University, Chandigarh. He served as Chief Associate to renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra Vidhu Vinod Chopra is a classic filmmaker, who has >> Read More... on films such as " Kareeb Click to look into! >> Read More... " and "Mission Kashmir." He also acted in these films and a television serial named "Captain Vyom." His debut Dogri feature film, "Dille Ch Vasya Koi" (2011), received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Dogri at the 59th National Film Awards The National Film Awards gets presented every year >> Read More... .

7. Sarfraz Alvi Bio coming soon... >> Read More...

Sarfraz Alvi is an emerging director in Dogri film industry. He directed " Gul Gulshan Gulfam Gul Gulshan Gulfam is counted as amongst one of th >> Read More... ," the first bilingual film in Dogri and Kashmiri, released in 2012. Alvi's work on this film marked a significant contribution to Kahmiri regional cinema; it portrays the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. The film depicts the lives and challenges of the people residing in this region. Besides "Gul Gulshan Gulfam," Alvi is known for other works like " Sadda Adda Click to look into! >> Read More... " and " Chakradhaar Click to look into! >> Read More... ," demonstrating his versatility in the Indian film industry.

8. Ajay K Saklani Ajay K Saklani is an Independent filmmaker and was >> Read More...

Ajay K Saklani is an independent filmmaker from Himachal Pradesh, renowned for his debut feature film "Saanjh" (Dusk), released in 2017. He was born and raised in the small village of Mandi; he created history by producing the first-ever Himachali language film and subsequently contributing significantly to the regional cinema of Himachal Pradesh. "Saanjh" is a drama film set in the Kullu valley and depicts the story of a 16-year-old girl named Sanju, who went to live with her grandmother in a remote village after her compromising video circulates online. The film explores themes of isolation, familial bonds, and the clash between rural and urban lifestyles. It received critical acclaim, winning the Best Feature Film Award at the Borrego Springs Film Festival in 2017, and also got the Award of Merit at the Accolade Global Film Competition. He is also known as the "Dadasaheb Phalke of Himachali Cinema.”

9. Raahul Sharma

Raahul Sharma is a Dogri film director known for his 2014 film Geetiyan. The film was very successful and got recognition. The film was produced under the banner of Bees Carving Directs Productions and Saar Films Entertainment. It follows the lives and environment of gangsters in Jammu during the 1980s. It is a thriller film with a local depiction of Dogra culture.

10. Aditya Bhanu Bio coming soon... >> Read More...

Aditya Bhanu is a famous Pahadi director from Jammu and Kashmir. He is known for his work in various films, television serials, and theatre. He gained recognition from his directorial venture "Aaun Aan Shinda," a Dogri language film released under the banner of Suman Kesar Productions and A.B. Films. The film shows the era of series of gang wars in Jammu during the mid-1980s and also features a love story.