Santosh Shivan is an Indian cinematographer, film director, and producer. He has worked upon Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. He is the winner of National Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards, and 10 International Film Festival Awards.

Santosh Shivan was born in Chennai. During his childhood, Shivan`s grandmother used to teach him painting and music in the palace. As a kid he accompanied her to the palace. These visits gave him an opportunity to become familiar with the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma who was a nineteenth century Indian painter. Raja Ravi Varma was famous for his creative themes applied on Indian mythology, and everyday social life of his times. His father, also a well-known cinematographer and director, encouraged his early interest in photography. Shivan did his graduation from Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

Career of Santosh Shivan
Santosh Shivan began his career as a cinematographer in South Indian films. He made 45 feature films and 41 documentaries in Hindi, English, Tamil and Malayalam for prominent film makers of India, and abroad.

He made his debut in Hindi cinema with Raakh. His work gained nationwide attention in Mani Ratnam`s Roja. The stunning visuals that were shot in lush landscapes attracted the audience of India. In the same year, the release of Kalpana Lazmi`s Rudaali, which Sivan shot in a desert gained vast popularity in India and abroad. These films established Sivan as a leading cinematographer in the country. His other major films include Ratnam`s Dil Se and the award-winning Tamil film, Iruvar.

His debut Malayalam Language film, Anandabhadram (2005) won several State Awards, including Best Director & Best Cinematographer. As a cinematographer he worked on Gurinder Chadha`s Bride and Prejudice (2004) and Paul Mayeda Berges` The Mistress of Spices (2005).

Sontosh Shivan as a director
With the release of a children`s film Halo, Santosh Shivan proved his directorial talent. He went on to direct "The Terrorist". This film told the story of a suicide bomber. In 2001, Santosh Shivan directed and shot his most ambitious work yet, the historical epic Asoka. In 2004 his "Navarasa" won the National Award for Best Tamil Film (2004) and the Monaco Award for Best Film and Best Supporting Actor awarded at the Lyons Film Festival.

In the year 2008 his film Tahaan earned rare critical appreciation. His latest Malayalam film is Urumi released in the year 2011.

His documentary Prarambha brought him two National Awards at the 2007 and Award Ceremony for Best Director and Best Picture. Santosh Shivan has also made advertisement films. These include all the leading brands such as Zee, BPL, Cadbury`s, Quality Walls, Videocon, Pepsi, Santro, Lays, Polio Camping with Amitabh Bachchan, Voltas, Indian Express, Maruti Alto, Kerala tourism and Bhima jewellery etc.

Awards won by Santosh Shivan
National Film Award * 1991 - Perumthachan (Malayalam) - Best Cinematography
* 1991 - Mohiniyattam (Malayalam) - Best Non-Feature Film Cinematography
* 1996 - Kalapani (Malayalam) - Best Cinematography
* 1996 - Halo - Best Children`s Film
* 1998 - Iruvar (Tamil) - Best Cinematography
* 1999 - Dil Se (Hindi) - Best Cinematography

Filmfare Awards
* 1999 - Dil Se - Best Cinematography
* 2001 - Halo - Critics Award for Best Movie
* 2002 - Asoka - Best Cinematography

Kerala State Film Awards
* 1992 - Aham - Best Cinematography
* 1996 - Kalapani - Best Cinematography
* 2005 - Anandabhadram - Best Cinematography
* 1998 - Pavithram-best cinematography

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
* 1991 - Thalapathi - Best Cinematography
* 1992 - Roja - Best Cinematography

Star Screen Awards
* 2005 - Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities - Best Cinematography

Zee Cine Awards
* 2005 - Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities - Best Cinematography

International
* 1998 - Malli - Best Director at Cairo International Film Festival
* 1998 - Malli - Golden Pyramid at Cairo International Film Festival
* 1999 - Malli - Adult`s Jury Award for Feature Film and Video International Film Festival
* 1999 - The Terrorist - Grand Jury Prize at Cinemanila International Film Festival
* 1999 - The Terrorist - Lino Brocka Award for Best Film at Cinemanila International Film Festival
* 2000 - The Terrorist - Poznan Goat for Best Director at Ale Kino International Young Audience Film Festival
* 2000 - The Terrorist - Panorama Jury Prize for Honourable Mention at Sarajevo Film Festival
* 2000 - Emerging Masters Showcase Award at Seattle International Film Festival Awards
* 2004 - Malli - Audience Award for Best Feature Film at Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles
* 2008 - Before the Rains - Grand Award for Best Theatrical Feature at World Fest Houston International Film Festival.