This talented and prolific film & television director’s creativity is his identity. A first class masters degree holder in Theatre Arts from Panjab University, Mukesh Gautam was always enthused by the idea of doing challenging and purposeful films, as epitomized by his works on terrorism (when it was at its zenith in the region), bio-pics on Nirala, Shiv Poojan Sahai, Bulle Shah etc. Whether it was Kujh Pal Tere Naam or Sajda for Zee Punjabi and the currently on-air Virsa and Masters on PTC Punjabi class is stamped all over his productions. While watching Virsa you realize how well researched these mini-documentaries – termed as fillers – are, and yet Gautam manages to provide all essential info on the subject. The bio-pics on KL Saigal & Baba Fareed, or other subjects like rare Gurudwaras, martial arts, rituals, love legends like Heer Ranjha, etc are proof enough. Soon his new TV production Kohinoor will regale the audience. It will have half-hour bio-pics on various legends of Punjab like MS Randhawa, Surinder Kaur, Sharif Idu etc. No wonder that Mukesh Gautam won the RAPA Award for featuring Waris Shah in docu-drama form.

After stamping his mark on the Punjabi TV Gautam has already started making waves on the region’s big screen too. Imbued with idealistic and progressive ideas he took up the direction of Akhiyan Udeek Dian. The movie focuses on the evils of female foeticide. Featuring Lakhwinder Wadali, the film boasts of other cinematic elements too, viz., romance, entertainment and an absorbing storyline. This infotainer is destined to inspire Punjabi audiences the world over to think positively on the importance of girl-child for our society’s survival. Another thought provoking movie that Gautam is working on relates to eye donation. The canvas comprises Punjab and Kashmir which, according to him, face similar issues.

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