Biography
Indra Kumar, originally named Indra Irani, is an Indian film actor, director, and producer.
Hailing from a modest family, his siblings became well-known figures in the Hindi film industry. He credits his eldest sister Aruna Irani for his upbringing and success, as she took care of all the siblings after their mother passed away.
He attended Utpal Shaangvi Global School and Ascend International School, both in Mumbai. Kumar made his acting debut with Kismat (1969) and also appeared in Biwi Kiraya Ki (1975).
His Gujarati film debut was Gangapur Ni Ganga (1980). In 1981, he acted in the Assamese film Charotar Ni Champa (1982).
In 1985, Kumar established his production company, Maruti Films Pvt Ltd, in partnership with Ashok Navalkumar. His first production was Mohabbat (1985), followed by films such as Kasam (1988) and Daddy Cool: Join the Fun (2009).
Kumar made his directorial debut with the blockbuster Dil (1990), starring Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit, which earned Rs. 180 million and received eight award nominations.
His next film, Beta (1992), featuring Aruna Irani, Madhuri Dixit, and Anil Kapoor, earned him his first Filmfare Best Director nomination.
In 1995, Kumar directed Raja, starring Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Kapoor, which garnered him another Best Director nomination at the 1996 Filmfare Awards.
His 1997 film Ishq, starring Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla, Ajay Devgn, and Kajol, grossed Rs. 500 million worldwide.
Subsequently, Kumar directed Mann - Soul's Heart (1999), Aashiq (2001), and Masti (2004). In 2007, he helmed the blockbuster Dhamaal, starring Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, and Riteish Deshmukh, which earned over Rs. 800 million globally.
Four years later, he released Double Dhamaal (2011), featuring Kangana Ranaut and Mallika Sherawat. This was followed by Grand Masti (2013), a sequel in the Masti series, which grossed approximately Rs. 1.3 billion.
Kumar then directed Super Nani (2014) and Great Grand Masti (2016).
In 2019, he released Total Dhamaal, starring Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, and Arshad Warsi, which collected nearly Rs. 2 billion within 12 days.
His most recent film was Thank God (2022), featuring Ajay Devgn and Sidharth Malhotra.
