Ayan Mukerji facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ayan Mukerji
Mukerji in 2017
Born	(1983-08-15) 15 August 1983 (age 42) Calcutta, West Bengal, India
Other names	Ayan Mukherjee
Occupation	Director screenwriter producer
Years active	2004–present
Parent(s)	Deb Mukherjee
Family	Mukherjee-Samarth family

Ayan Mukerji (born on August 15, 1983) is an Indian filmmaker. He is well-known for making movies in Hindi. Ayan is part of the famous Mukherjee-Samarth family, which has many people involved in the film industry. He often works with actor Ranbir Kapoor and the production company Dharma Productions, which is owned by Karan Johar.

Ayan Mukerji directed his first movie, Wake Up Sid, in 2009. This film was about growing up and received great reviews. His next two movies, the romantic comedy Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) and the fantasy adventure Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022), became some of the highest-earning Hindi films. All three movies earned him nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Director. He also won the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director for Wake Up Sid.

Early Life and Family Connections

Ayan Mukerji was born in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. His father, Deb Mukherjee, was a Bengali film actor. Ayan's family has been involved in the Indian film industry since the 1930s. His grandfather, Sashadhar Mukherjee, was one of the first people to start a film studio called Filmistan Studio in Mumbai. He produced many popular films like Dil Deke Dekho (1959) and Leader (1964). Filmistan Studio is still run by Ayan's family today.

Ayan's grandmother, Satidevi Mukherjee, was the sister of famous actors Ashok Kumar and Kishore Kumar. Many other family members, including his uncles and cousins, are also part of the film world. This includes actresses Kajol and Rani Mukherjee.

Ayan went to Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai. He started studying at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology but left after his first year. He wanted to work in films and became an assistant to director Ashutosh Gowariker on the movie Swades (2004).

Ayan Mukerji's Film Career

Starting Out and First Film (2004–2009)

Ayan Mukerji began his career helping out on film sets. He was an assistant director for his brother-in-law Ashutosh Gowariker on the film Swades in 2004. Later, he assisted Karan Johar on the musical drama Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006). He even appeared briefly as an extra in that movie.

After a short break, Ayan wrote and directed his first film, Wake Up Sid, in 2009. This movie starred Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma. It was the first time Ayan worked with Ranbir Kapoor, and they have made several films together since. Wake Up Sid is about a rich college student who learns to be responsible. The film was produced by Dharma Productions and was loved by critics. It also did very well at the box office. For Wake Up Sid, Ayan won the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director.

Big Success and Future Projects (2013–Present)

Mukerji in 2012

Ayan Mukerji had a huge hit with his next film, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, in 2013. This romantic comedy-drama starred Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. It was also produced by Karan Johar's company. The story is about two friends who meet on a trip and then reconnect years later at a wedding. The movie received excellent reviews for its direction, music, and acting. It became a major blockbuster and was one of the highest-earning Hindi films of 2013. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani earned Ayan another nomination for Best Director at the Filmfare Awards. This film has remained very popular with young audiences.

Ayan's next big project was the fantasy film Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, released in 2022. He wrote and directed this movie, which starred Ranbir Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Nagarjuna. This film is the first part of a planned trilogy called Āstraverse. Ayan first thought of the idea for Brahmāstra in 2011, inspired by Indian history and childhood stories. The movie received mixed reviews but was praised for its visual effects and action. It became Ayan's second big blockbuster, earning a lot of money worldwide. It was the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2022. Ayan received his third Filmfare Award nomination for Best Director for Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva. The next two parts, Brahmāstra: Part Two – Dev and Brahmāstra: Part Three, are being developed and are expected to release in December 2026 and 2027.

Ayan Mukerji is also directing War 2, which is part of the YRF Spy Universe. This is his first film not produced by Dharma Productions. The movie stars Hrithik Roshan, N. T. Rama Rao Jr., and Kiara Advani. War 2 is scheduled to be released on August 14, 2025.

Films Ayan Mukerji Has Worked On

Key

Denotes films that have not yet been released

Year	Title	Director	Writer	Producer	Notes
2004	Swades	No	Yes	No
2009	Wake Up Sid	Yes	Yes	No
2013	Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani	Yes	Yes	No
2022	Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva	Yes	Yes	Yes
2025	War 2	Yes	No	No	Post-production

Other Roles

Acting Roles

Awards and Recognition

Ayan Mukerji has won and been nominated for several awards for his work as a director and writer.