Ashutosh Gowariker is an Indian film director, actor, screenwriter and producer. He is known for directing films "set on a huge canvas while boasting of an opulent treatment". His works include
Lagaan (2001),
Swades (2004),
Jodhaa Akbar (2008),
What's Your Raashee? (2009),
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010) and
Mohenjo Daro (2016). His film
Lagaan was nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category in 74th Academy Awards, which makes him a voting member of the Academy Awards. He returned to acting by playing the lead role in the critically acclaimed comedy-drama
Ventilator (2016).