Director of Rs 800 crore blockbuster, once sold eggs, worked as a sweeper for a living. A look at Laxman Utekar's inspiring journey

Time of India

2 days ago

First Steps into the World of Cinema
Rising Through the Ranks
A Director with a Midas Touch
Today, he may be on top of the world, with a lot of blockbusters to his name, but do you know that ' Chhaava ' director Laxman Utekar once used to sell eggs to earn a living? In an interview with Mama's Couch, the filmmaker revealed his uncle brought him to Mumbai at the age of four, and he started selling eggs in front of a bar in Mumbai. He even operated a Vada Pav stall in Shivaji Park.During the Ganpati festival, Laxman found yet another way to contribute to his family's income. Many people, unwilling to step out of their air-conditioned cars, needed help immersing Ganesh idols into the water. Laxman and his friends seized the opportunity, offering to perform the ritual for a small fee of Rs. 5. They would then split the money among themselves—a small sum, but a big step for boys trying to get by in a big city.Laxman's entry into the film industry was not through a glamorous audition or a film school degree. Instead, it began with a newspaper ad for a sweeper's job at a film studio. With no knowledge of filmmaking or the complex world behind the camera, he started by cleaning washrooms and mopping studio floors. Despite not understanding the technical jargon or the purpose behind each scene, Laxman remained curious.As he continued to work, he began delivering tea to the staff in the sound and editing rooms. That small task opened a window into a world he would one day dominate. His interest grew with each passing day, and he often stayed back after work, quietly observing the crew. He soaked in the atmosphere, watching closely, trying to make sense of every shot, every command, every scene. What began as a janitor's job slowly turned into an education in cinema.Laxman's first professional break came in 2007, when he worked as a cinematographer in Khanna and Iyer. His talent soon earned him bigger projects, including the critically acclaimed English Vinglish, starring the legendary Sridevi, and Dear Zindagi, which further cemented his reputation. In 2014, he made his directorial debut with the Marathi film Tapaal.In 2019, he struck gold with Luka Chuppi, a romantic comedy that earned Rs. 128 crore at the box office. But it was Chhaava, his historical epic starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, that redefined his career. The film grossed over Rs. 800 crore and became one of the year's biggest hits.From selling eggs to directing blockbusters, Laxman Utekar's life is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the magic of dreams pursued relentlessly.