Kabir Khan is an Indian film director known for films like Kabul Express, New York, Ek Tha Tiger and Bajrangi Bhaijaan. He started his career as a cinematographer by working in documentary films. His first documentary titled "Beyond the Himalayas" enjoyed success and earned him recognition. Kabir also works as a screenwriter.
Early Life of Kabir Khan
He was born in 1971 in Hyderabad, India. He is a Muslim of Pathan ancestry. He received his education from Jamia Millia Islamia, University of Delhi.
Career of Kabir Khan
Kabir began his career as a cinematographer for the Discovery Channel at the age of 24. He did cinematography in the reputed documentary "Beyond the Himalayas" which released in the year 1995. The film was directed by the veteran director Gautam Ghosh. He then made his own directorial debut with the documentary titled "The Forgotten Army" based on Subhas Chandra Bose`s Indian National Army. The film was released in the year 1999. Kabir"s work in the documentary film industry earned him instant recognition. He then directed two more documentaries before shifting his focus to mainstream cinema.
He made his directorial debut in Bollywood with the film Kabul Express in 2006. The film is said to be loosely based on his and his friend Rajan Kapoor`s experiences in post-taliban Afghanistan. It featured Arshad Warsi, John Abraham, Pakistani actor Salman Shahid, Afghan actor Hanif Hum Ghum and American actress Linda Arsenio. The film received mixed reviews. His next venture was New York in 2009, featuring John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan Khan in prominent roles. The film focuses on three students studying at the fictional New York State University whose lives are changed by 9/11 and its aftermath. The film received appreciation from the critics.
In 2012 he directed Ek Tha Tiger starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. The story revolves around an Indian spy (RAW) who falls in love with a Pakistani spy (ISI) during an investigation and how his ideology and principles change over time. It went on to become the eighth highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time.
In 2015 Kabir directed Bajrangi Bhaijaan starring Salman Khan, Harshaali Malhotra, Kareena Kapoor and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in prominent roles. The film had a worldwide release on Eid ul Fitr. It was declared an All Time Blockbuster by Box office India.
Early Life of Kabir Khan
Kabir tied the knot with TV host Mini Mathur. The couple is blessed with two children.