Rajesh Touchriver is a celebrated filmmaker, renowned for his contributions to Indian cinema. His work often tackles social issues, reflecting his commitment to storytelling with a purpose.
Wiki/Biography
Born on Monday, March 6, 1972 (age 51 as of 2023), in Arakulam village, Idukki District, Kerala, Rajesh Touchriver’s zodiac sign is Pisces. He completed his schooling at Govt. High School in Moolamattom, Kerala. He furthered his education, earning a BTA in Direction from the University of Calicut, Kerala, and also attended the School of Drama in Thrissur, Kerala. A scholarship from the Charles Wallace India Trust allowed him to pursue a Masters in Visual Language, Scenography & Direction in London.
Family, Caste & Wife
Hailing from a Malayali family, Rajesh’s father, Siva Sankaran Nair, was a Kathakali actor, and his mother was Rukmini Amma. His brother holds a PhD in Theatre, and his uncle, M R Sreedharan Nair, is a professional Kathakali dancer. He is married to the distinguished Indian social activist, Sunitha Krishnan.
Career
His career began with the National School of Drama in New Delhi in 1995. By 1998, he had directed nearly 30 plays in Malayalam, Telugu, and English. His directorial debut in Telugu cinema was with “In the Name of Buddha” in 2002. His filmography includes feature films, short films, documentaries, music videos, and TV commercials, predominantly focusing on pertinent social issues within Indian society. Notable feature films directed by him include:
- 10-The Strangers (2005)
- Alex-The Blue Fox (2005)
- Naa Bangaaru Talli (2013)
- Patnagarh (2019)
His diverse body of work showcases his versatility and commitment to socially conscious filmmaking.
Controversy
During the #MeToo India campaign, he faced allegations of inappropriate behavior from actress Revathy Sampath.
Awards & Honours
Rajesh Touchriver’s talent has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, both nationally and internationally. Here’s a summary:
| Award | Year | Category | Film/Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indie Gathering International Film Festival, Ohio, USA | 2017 | Best Foreign Feature Film, Best Cinematography, Best Overall Feature (People’s Choice) | RAKTHAM (The Blood) |
| National Film Awards | 2013 | Best Feature Film in Telugu, Best Music Direction (Background Score), Special Mention (Actress Anjali Patil) | Na Bangaaru Talli |
| Nandi Awards (Govt of Andhra Pradesh State Awards) | 2013 | Best Feature Film, Best Actress (Anjali Patil), Special Mention (Actor Siddique) | Na Bangaaru Talli |
| Charles Wallace India Trust Award | 2001 | Scholarship | N/A |
| Various International Awards (2003-2013) | 2003-2013 | Best Foreign Film, Best Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Editing, Filmmaker of the Year, Award of Excellence | Various |
Facts/Trivia
He is a skilled Kathakali dancer and trained in Kalaripayattu (a martial art form). His unique surname, “Touchriver,” was adopted for professional reasons related to film distribution. He appeared on the Karmaveer episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 11 (2019) with his wife, Sunitha Krishnan.
