Kabir Khan – Director Profile
Basic Information
- Full Name: Kabir Khan
- Date of Birth: 14 September 1968
- Birthplace: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), India
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Film director, screenwriter, cinematographer
- Spouse: Mini Mathur (TV host)
- Children: Vivaan and Sairah
Early Life & Education
- Kabir Khan was raised in Delhi.
- His father, Rasheeduddin Khan, was a political scientist and Member of Parliament.
- His mother was a Telugu-speaking Hindu.
- He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University.
- He later completed a master’s in Mass Communication (specializing in filmmaking and cinematography) from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
Career Overview
Documentary Filmmaking
- Started as a cinematographer with Discovery Channel on the project Beyond the Himalayas (1995).
- Directed several documentaries:
- The Forgotten Army (1999)
- The Taliban Years and Beyond
- The Titanic Sinks in Kabul
Mainstream Film Debut
- 2006: Kabul Express – His first commercial film, set in post-Taliban Afghanistan. It won the National Award for Best Debut Film.
Major Films
- 2009: New York – Focused on post-9/11 prejudice and terrorism.
- 2012: Ek Tha Tiger – A massive box-office success starring Salman Khan; a spy thriller.
- 2015: Bajrangi Bhaijaan – Heartfelt cross-border drama; one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever.
- 2015: Phantom – A fictional anti-terrorism action thriller.
- 2017: Tubelight – War drama during the Sino-Indian conflict; emotionally driven.
- 2021: ’83 – A sports biopic on India’s 1983 cricket World Cup win; highly praised but underperformed commercially.
- 2024: Chandu Champion – Biopic on Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar.
- 2025: Tariq – His latest project (released or upcoming).
Web Series
- 2020: The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye – Based on his earlier documentary, turned into a streaming web series.
Awards & Achievements
- Indira Gandhi Award for Best First Film (Kabul Express)
- National Award for Best Popular Film (Bajrangi Bhaijaan)
- Multiple nominations and wins at:
- Filmfare Awards
- IIFA Awards
- Screen Awards
- Asian First Film Festival
Filmmaking Style & Legacy
- Kabir Khan is known for blending entertainment with strong social and political themes.
- His signature style includes cross-border human stories, patriotism with empathy, and emotional depth.
- Combines documentary realism with Bollywood narrative techniques.
- Frequently collaborates with Salman Khan and cinematographer Aseem Mishra.
Personal Life
- Married to Mini Mathur, a prominent television host.
- Known to be deeply involved with his family.
- He is passionate about dancing and often dances with his daughter.
- After the underperformance of ’83, he reportedly took it very emotionally, highlighting his deep investment in his work.
official Instagram profile link for Kabir Khan, the Indian film director:
Instagram: @kabirkhankk
