First Indian to Win an Oscar
India has always had a rich cinematic tradition, but global recognition came into the spotlight when an Indian artist brought home an Academy Award. The first Indian to win an Oscar was not an actor or director, but a costume designer who made history at the 55th Academy Awards.
Who Was the First Indian to Win an Oscar?
Bhanu Athaiya – Costume Designer
- Award: Best Costume Design
- Film: Gandhi (1982)
- Oscar Year: 1983 (55th Academy Awards)
- Directed by: Richard Attenborough
Bhanu Athaiya became the first Indian to ever win an Oscar for her exceptional work in costume design for Gandhi, a biographical film based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Her attention to detail and historical accuracy in recreating the traditional Indian wardrobe won critical acclaim worldwide.
About the Film Gandhi
- Gandhi was a British-Indian co-production, starring Ben Kingsley in the titular role.
- The film won 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.
- Bhanu Athaiya shared her Oscar win with British designer John Mollo.
Bhanu Athaiya’s Career and Legacy
- Worked in over 100 films during her 50+ year career
- Collaborated with top directors like Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, and Ashutosh Gowariker
- Known for films like Lagaan, Swades, Pyaasa, Guide, and Amrapali
- Returned her Oscar to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2012 for preservation
Bhanu Athaiya’s Oscar win was not just a personal triumph—it was a defining moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.