For the past 42 years she has been in the film industry, as a writer, director and editor of films. Though she has done selected films, all those films created a strong impact on the audience. Being an alumnus of FTII and having helmed films such as Rihaee, Shaque, Sitam, Tum and Gehrayee, the National Award-winner is now directing a Marathi film ‘Firebrand’, bankrolled by Priyanka Chopra and Dr. Madhu Chopra’s Purple Pebble Pictures.

One of the most prominent women directors of Indian film industry, synonymous with parallel cinema, Aruna Raje recently received Rashtriya Gaurav Award from the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind and was also felicitated as the ‘First Lady’, among fifteen women who excelled in their respective fields. Hence, this multiple award-winning director has been one of the first female technicians in the film business.

Spearheaded by Aruna Raje, ‘Firebrand’ is a contemporary story about relationships and the highs and lows people deal with in their lives. After receiving the award Aruna Raje said, “I am delighted to receive the recognition for being the first woman technician in the Indian film industry. Women have extraordinary capabilities and I personally believe that nothing is impossible for them. It is great that women are breaking new ground every day. For me, I love challenges & ‘the sky is not the limit’!”