In a moment of immense pride for Pune and the Indian diaspora, acclaimed filmmaker Dheeraj Akolkar has been conferred with an honorary doctorate by the prestigious University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The honour, considered the university's highest accolade, recognises individuals who have made contributions of regional, national, or international significance in their field.
A Recognition for Cinema Driving Social Change
The doctorate was awarded to Akolkar for his unique and impactful work in the arts and cinema focused on social change. Speaking to The Indian Express from the UK, the filmmaker described the recognition as a "huge honour," made even more special as it coincides with the University of Birmingham's 125th anniversary year.
Akolkar's filmography is a testament to his commitment to meaningful storytelling. His notable works include Jyotirgamaya-Lead me to the Light (2005), Liv & Ingmar (2012), Let the Scream be Heard (2013), and Wars Don’t End (2018). His latest documentary, Liv Ullmann – A Road Less Travelled (2023), premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and has been sold for distribution in 92 countries.
"When I reflect on what motivates me, it largely comes down to relevance and how it can be meaningful," Akolkar explained. He emphasised the power of cinema when used with consciousness and an understanding of its full potential.
Pune Roots and a Foundation in Social Work
Born and brought up in Pune, Akolkar spent his first two decades in the city, which he says influenced him tremendously. His inspiration is deeply rooted in his family's dedication to social causes. His parents, Dr. Jyoti and Dr. Shreepad Akolkar, are medical practitioners who founded The Comprehensive Child Development Programme (CCDP), an NGO.
"My mother is a paediatrician and child psychologist, and together they identified gaps in child development and actively worked to address them," Akolkar recalled. The NGO used art, film, books, and nature in a holistic approach to child development. Akolkar studied and volunteered with CCDP, calling it a "huge influence" on his life and career path.
This ethos was further reinforced by his maternal grandparents, both teachers and school principals. His grandfather co-founded a night school in Mumbai for underprivileged children, embodying a deep belief in education as a tool for empowerment and social change.
Future Collaborations and a Focus on Global Rights
Akolkar revealed that he is looking forward to a productive collaboration with the University of Birmingham. The focus will be on advocating for the rights and well-being of children born of conflict-related sexual violence worldwide.
This mission is already at the core of his ongoing projects. He is currently directing a full-length feature film titled The Other Side of Silence. The film will tell the stories of children born of wartime sexual violence in several postwar nations, including Norway, Germany, Bosnia, Uganda, Vietnam, Colombia, and Ukraine.
In 2022, Akolkar took his advocacy a step further by co-founding a UK-based charity named GRACE International (Global Reconciliation, Advocacy and Community-building Engagement). The organisation is dedicated to the same cause, working to lay strong foundations and execute meaningful projects for these vulnerable children globally.
Akolkar also cited Mira Nair's seminal film Salaam Bombay! as a profound inspiration, not just for its cinematic value but for its real-world impact. The profits from that film established the Salaam Baalak Trust, which has rehabilitated thousands of street children. "This is a remarkable example of how filmmakers can themselves become an important resource," he said, highlighting the extraordinary possibilities when cinema is combined with strategy and a vision beyond oneself.
