Mira Nair (b. 1957)
English and Hindi director born in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa; daughter of a civil servant. Educated at the Irish Catholic School in Simla and at the University of New Delhi. Active as an actress in repertory theatre in India. Went to Harvard (1976) where she graduated in sociology (1979). Started making films in the USA for R. Leacock and D.A. Pennebaker. Produced her own documentaries and short films. Achieved major international success with India Cabaret and Salaam Bombay. Works mainly in the USA. Made a cameo appearance as a gossip in her Mississippi Masala.
FILMOGRAPHY: 1979: Jama Masjid Street Journal (Sh); 1982: So Far from India (Doc); 1985: India Cabaret (TV); 1987: Children of Desired Sex (TV); 1988: Salaam Bombay; 1991: Mississippi Masala; 1995:The Perez Family; 1996:Kama Sutra.