Beenu Rajpoot (Hindi: बीनू राजपूत) is an award winning documentary film maker who received multiple awards for her films. BeenuRajpoot's few notable films are "Born to Dance", "Kaba-e-Hindostan", "Wall of Valour", "BhaktBhagwat" and "LAMA MANI". Her story is an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers, especially women, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the impact storytelling can have on society. Beenu Rajpoot is the writer of many journals and author of two books.
Beenu Rajpoot, a name rapidly gaining recognition in the Indian film industry, is not your typical filmmaker. Breaking away from conventional narratives, she weaves stories that challenge societal norms and celebrate the strength of the human spirit. Her journey, marked by resilience and unwavering passion, is an inspiration to aspiring storytellers. BeenuRajpoot's career is on an upward trajectory. With her unique storytelling voice and unwavering commitment to social change, she is poised to become a major force in Indian cinema.
Beenu Rajpoot was born and brought up in a small town in Punjab. She hails from a small village in Punjab, where pursuing career in filmmaking was not a common practice. Furthermore, at the time, her family and society found it difficult to understand her career choices. Today, she is an established filmmaker and has made more than 40 documentary films. Since childhood, she has been passionate about films. She used to watch "Lekhu" and "Udaan" regularly and tried to learn filmmaking and composition techniques like an excited kid.
Beenu Rajpoot completed her Graduation from Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab. She has done her Master's in Mass Communication from IGNOU, Master's in Yoga from Uttarakhand University and Master's in Philosophy from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Beenu has a Diploma in Camera and Photography from IIPC, Delhi and One year course in Principles of Ayurveda, from Kaivalyadhama, Lonavala Maharashtra. She also did CCYPI course from Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India.
Beenu Rajpoot shared with us her experience and everything about RDC – the moment of pride. The basic objective of the Republic Day Camp is to inculcate the spirit of patriotism, discipline, and leadership qualities among the cadets. She shared with us her life's success mantra. "She learned about 3D's in her life when she attended the Republic Camp in college," she said. Discipline, dedication, and determination are the core of a successful life. We all want to be successful. The word has a simple meaning: determination. It refers to the capacity to persist in a task, regardless of its complexity. Dedication: the quality of commitment to a task is critical. A single-minded focus on the target is our ultimate goal. Let nothing interfere with or divert your attention or focus. Discipline: One must train oneself to exercise self-control in setting and adhering to rules.
Beenu Rajpoot's life changed completely when she participated in the Republic Day Camp in 1996. She won many awards there, and this boosted her confidence further. Till now, she has been living a disciplined life. There are six months of rigorous training in this camp. Where, she learned so many things that could not have been possible elsewhere. When they selected as the ‘Best Turnout’ of the Camp and later the ‘Best Cadet’ of Punjab, she was ecstatic. Beenu was filled with pride when she received an award from His Excellency the Governor of Punjab Lt. Gen. BKN Chhibber on 16th July in 1997. She also received the National Award (Gold Medal) in Aeromodelling at the 1994 National Level VSC for Control Line Speed.
Today, BeenuRajpoot is a highly respected documentary filmmaker in Indian cinema. She has won many awards for her documentary films. Most of her films are based on Indian art, culture, and literature, with thought-provoking messages for society. To preserve these elements, sensible and informative films can do wonders. She has worked with many superstar Bollywood actors, comedians, and other respected dignitaries like DharmendraDeol, Akshay Kumar, Ranjeet Singh, the late Tom Alter, GautamGambhir, and many more.
Rajpoot is the director and producer of the documentary film "Beyond Belief: The Real Mythbuster," which was released in 2019. The story of the film is about people who are visually impaired and have put forth a lot of effort to live a nice life. A Padhmashri awardee, Shekhar Nayak, who acted as a formal caption for the Indian National Blind Cricket Team, which led India to win the World Cup twice in 2012 and 2014, is one of the visually impaired individuals featured in the video that is thirty-two minutes long. The documentary also includes other visually impaired individuals who are doing extraordinarily well within their life. The truth is that having a disability does not mean that you are incapable of doing anything. The Alliance Française de Delhi was the location where this movie was shown for the very first time on December 3, 2019. There was coverage of this movie on the Rajya Sabha Channel.
Beenu directed yet another short documentary film, titled "Reunion," in the year 2020, during the COVID-19 conference. The film was conceived by her buddy who lived in the hostel. A group of women, all of whom graduated from HMV College in Jalandhar in 1997, have produced their very own version of a lockdown video. This is in contrast to the fact that the lockdown has inspired the creativity of plenty of people.
The history of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidhyala Jalandhar was the subject of the documentary "Hamari Dharohar," which was produced by Rajpoot in the year 2021.
Social Advocate
BeenuRajpoot consistently champions Indian literature, art, and culture. She established the Delhi-based "AGRIMAA Society of Arts" in 2019. Precious Planet Charitable Trust (PPCT), Delhi was founded by her.
Rajpoot's films are not mere entertainment; they are agents of social change. She uses cinema as a platform to raise awareness about critical issues and inspire action. Her work has sparked discussions on social injustices, making her a voice for the marginalized.
From Literature to Lights, Camera, Action!
Rajpoot's background in literature wasn't a detour but a stepping stone. Her keen eye for detail and ability to craft compelling narratives translated beautifully into the world of cinema. She began her career as a writer, collaborating on scripts and honing her storytelling skills. However, the desire to translate her vision onto the screen propelled her towards directing.
Bold and Unconventional Stories
Rajpoot's films are distinct. They delve into complex social issues, often focusing on the struggles and triumphs of women. Her debut film, "Born to Dance: A Glimpse into the life of a dancer", tackled the sensitive subject of Kathak dance. The film garnered critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal and unflinching honesty. In 2016, the movie had its premiere at the India International Centre in Delhi. This film was also screened in the Government Museum and Art Gallery in Chandigarh, Patna. She devoted two hard years and a great deal of research to shaping the movie. "Born to Dance" was inspired by the life of Shovana Narayan, a Kathak dancer.
Breaking Stereotypes and Empowering Voices
Rajpoot's characters, particularly her female protagonists, are far from one-dimensional. They are strong, flawed individuals navigating societal pressures and defying expectations. Her films empower women, sparking conversations about gender equality and social change.
Despite her strong vision, Rajpoot values collaboration. She fosters a creative environment where actors and crew members can contribute their ideas. This collaborative spirit is evident in the powerful performances and nuanced storytelling that define her films.
Notable Work
*Born to Dance: A Glimpse into the life of a dancer (2016)
*Wall of Valour (2017)
*Kaba-e-Hindostan: Ghalib’s Ode to Banaras: Charagh-e-dair (2018)
*Mapping Kathak Villages (2018)
*Banaras: The Sacred City of World (2019)
*Beyond Belief: The real Mythbuster (2019)
*Reunion (2020)
*KathakLok of Kathak Villages (2022)
*BhaktBhagwat: A Tiny Lover of Lord Krishna (2023)
*Lama Mani (2023)
*Bharat Ki Awaaz: Acharya Rama Kant Shukla (2024)
*The Experimental Ecologist (2024)
*TashiNorbu (2024)
Notable Awards
*Gold Medal in Photography by the Photographic Society of America (PSA)
*Sajjan Lal Purohit Memorial Award 2021 for Excellence in Documentary Films
*Awarded by Governor of Punjab LT. GEN. B. K. N. Chhibber on 16th July 1997 for her excellent performance in Republic Day Parade.
*National Award (Gold Medal) in Aero Modelling at National level VSC 1994 in Control Line Speed.
*'Best Turn Out’ award in RD Camp in 1996
