Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, a prominent Indian filmmaker and writer, is celebrated for her impactful films like “Nil Battey Sannata” and “Bareilly Ki Barfi.” Her work often challenges societal norms and explores complex themes with sensitivity and depth.
Wiki/Biography
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari was born on Monday, October 15, 1979, in Mulund, Mumbai. She completed her schooling at St. Mary’s Convent and pursued higher education at SIES College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. While she later attended art school, her mother initially disapproved of this path.
Physical Appearance
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
Born into a Tamil Hindu family, her mother, Lakshmi Subramanium, was a former principal of S.M.P.R. school in Mulund.
Husband & Children
She’s married to fellow Indian writer-director Nitesh Tiwari. Together, they have two children, Amaarisa and Aaradhya.
Career
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari dedicated 15 years to the advertising agency Leo Burnett before pursuing her filmmaking passion. Her directorial debut, “Nil Battey Sannata” (2016), also known internationally as “The New Classmate,” marked a significant turning point in her career.
She followed this with the Tamil remake, “Amma Kanakku,” and a short film, “What’s for Breakfast.” Her 2017 romantic comedy, “Bareilly Ki Barfi,” earned her a Filmfare Award. The success of “Bareilly Ki Barfi” led to two film offers from Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures.
In 2018, she and her husband co-founded Earthsky Pictures, producing commercials for television. She directed “Panga” (2020), starring Kangana Ranaut, which received critical acclaim for its portrayal of women defying societal expectations. In 2021, she directed the web series “Breakpoint,” focusing on the lives of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi. She also announced plans for a documentary on N.R. Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murthy.
In May 2022, Ashwiny and Nitesh Tiwari announced their upcoming young-adult comedy-drama, “Bas Karo Aunty!” starring Ishwak Singh and Mahima Makwana.
Awards
- 2012: Dadasaheb Phalke Award for “What’s for Breakfast”
- 2017: Filmfare Best Debut Director for “Nil Battey Sannata”
- 2018: Filmfare Best Director for “Bareilly Ki Barfi”
- Various awards including Cannes Lions, New York Festivals, One Show, Promax, and Goafest Awards.
Favourites
Here’s a glimpse into Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s preferences:
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Food | Dahi Chawal, Pancakes, Bhutta, Sattu Roti, Truffles, Ippodu, Spaghetti, Sabudana Khichdi, Khandvi |
| Movie Genre | Drama |
| Movies | Bicycle Thief, Dangal |
| Singers | Alka Yagnik, Jassie Gill |
| Song | “Gazab Ka Hai Din Socho Zara” from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak |
| Animal | Cats |
Facts/Trivia
- Gold medalist in commercial arts from Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai.
- Avid animal lover, often sharing pictures of her pet cat, Khoblu.
- Named one of Femina’s “Powerful Women in 2016.”
- Inspired by a Kaun Banega Crorepati contestant for “Nil Battey Sannata.”
- Featured in Grazia Women Achievers magazine and gave a TEDx Bangalore talk on women’s empowerment.
- Considers herself a feminist.
- Enjoys photography as a hobby.
- Published her debut novel, “Mapping Love,” in August 2021.
- Has a significant following on social media platforms.
- Has a tattoo of her family’s names in Bengali, reflecting her love for Bengali culture and food.
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