Shyam Benegal

The repertoire: Of late, he has not really been in the thick of things and his Netaji biopic was quite a disappointment. But there’s no ignoring Shyambabu’s track record. Over three decades, he has given us enough glimpses of celluloid magic, giving voice to little-known people and championing the cause of Other Cinema. And he’s not done yet, ready with his first ever comedy and plotting a musical next.

Best work: Ankur, Kalyug, Trikaal, Bhumika, Junoon

Wow moment: In the last scene of Ankur, when the child hurls a stone at Anant Nag’s window and runs away. Says so much with so little.

t2 rating: 9.5/10

Ashutosh Gowariker

The repertoire: It is difficult to believe that this is the same man who made inane fare like Pehla Nasha and Baazi. But since Lagaan, Ashutosh has spoken from his heart. Telling two very different tales, one period and the other contemporary, Ashutosh made the two big Khans, Aamir and Shah Rukh, look so very good. And if the promo of Jodhaa Akbar is anything to go by, it’s only going to get bigger and better.

Best work: Lagaan, Swades

Wow moment: In Swades, the scene in which a farmer bares his soul to Shah Rukh’s Mohan Bhargav

t2 rating: 8.5/10

Yash Chopra

The repertoire: He has been synonymous with champagne and chiffon romances shot in Swiss valleys but Chopra’s body of work is so diverse that it is an unfair label. From Waqt to Deewaar to Dil To Pagal Hai, Yashji has been able to capture human emotions beautifully. He may be remembered for setting up the biggest Bollywood film production house, but Yash Chopra the director remains god for so many — from AB to KJo.

Best work: Daag, Deewaar, Lamhe, Trishul, Silsila

Wow moment: The “Mere paas maa hai” showdown between Amitabh and Shashi in Deewaar remains the most talked-about.

t2 rating: 8.5/10

Farhan Akhtar

The repertoire: Even if he didn’t make a single film after Dil Chahta Hai, he would still be on this list. With DCH Farhan forced Bollywood to change tack, from Gen-Ex to GenX. And those who feared that Farhan had just one tale in him to tell, Lakshya showed his technical craftsmanship. Finally, Don last year confirmed that Javed Akhtar-Honey Irani’s son was Bolly blockbuster material as he re-invented Amitabh Bachchan’s 1978 hit and gave Shah Rukh yet another reason to smile.

Best work: Dil Chahta Hai

Wow moments: Almost every moment of

Dil Chahta Hai.

t2 rating: 8.5/10

Subhash Ghai

The repertoire: Should he be on the list? Well, if you go by Yaadein and Kisna, the answer is NO, but back in the 80s and 90s, Ghai had such a huge impact on the film industry that it is impossible to ignore his contribution as a director. If Shah Rukh cannot get over Karz after so many years, why should we? Think Hero, Saudagar, Karma, Ram Lakhan... a true showman!

Best work: Karz

Wow moment: He changed how songs were shot in Bollywood. And all the songs of Karz — Om shanti om, Ek haseena thi, Dard-e-dil — were revolutionary moves in how to shoot a gaana.

t2 rating: 7.5/10

Vishal Bhardwaj

The repertoire: If you believe him when he says he just watched great films by great directors before turning film-maker, then he must be some sort of a genius. Every frame of Maqbool bore testimony to that. Even with his limited filmography, Vishal has shown that he can win hearts of both child and adult. His film on Fearless Nadia should put him on the international map.

Best work: Maqbool, Makdee, Omkara

Wow moment: In Maqbool, when Pankaj Kapur’s Abbaji gets to know that his daughter Sameera is in love with Kakaji’s son. Explosive.

t2 rating: 8.5/10

Govind Nihalani

The repertoire: From the time he was a cinematographer for Shyam Benegal, Nihalani made an impact on the Indian New Wave. That he had a voice of his own was evident soon enough... and what a hard-hitting voice it was. Nihalani brought a new urgency to Indian filmdom and even though he has not been able to keep pace with the 2000s, he remains an important maker for Indian cinema.

Best work: Ardh Satya, Akrosh, Drohkaal, Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa

Wow moment: Ashish Vidyarthi’s interrogation scenes in Drohkaal — spine-chilling.

t2 rating: 8.5/10

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

The repertoire: There are two schools of film buffs — one that loves Sanjay’s leela and the other that calls him neela these days. But there’s no denying the complete control SLB has over the medium. For those who find him loud, watch his only unsuccessful film Khamoshi and you know that it is the box office that made him go melodramatic.

Best work: Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Black

Wow moment: In Black, the kiss between Rani and Amitabh. It was completely original and brilliantly pulled off despite the relationship of a teacher and a student.

t2 rating: 7/10

Rajkumar Santoshi

The repertoire: For someone who can make both an Andaz Apna Apna and a Ghayal, can pull off almost any movie. And that’s something Rajkumar Santoshi has proved over the years. Also, his ability to bring the best out of his actors makes Santoshi a tour de force.

Best work: Khakee, Andaz Apna Apna, Ghayal, Damini

Wow moment: The sequence in Khakee where Akshay Kumar confronts his superior, Amitabh Bachchan, and refuses to obey his orders.

t2 rating: 7.5/10

Ram Gopal Varma

The repertoire: Yes, he has slipped up a bit — make that big time — of late but there are few Bolly watchers around who do not have Rangeela, Satya and Company on their lists of favourites. The master of the gangster films, Ramu showed signs of his old self in Sarkar but undid everything with his Aag. The buzz is that he has gone into hiding and promises to be back with a bang. We can only hope that he can reinvent himself and his Factory.

Best work: Satya, Company, Shiva, Bhoot, Rangeela

Wow moment: In Satya, when Manoj Bajpai’s Bhiku Mathre stands with his back to the camera and shouts at the Mumbai skyline: “Mumbai ka king kaun?”

t2 rating: 7/10