# Milind Sulekha Purushottam

Milind Sulekha Purushottam is an Indian filmmaker in Marathi and Hindi cinema, an entrepreneur, and an information technology professional. As the founder of FGM Film Production & Management, Milind has received accolades, including the Veer Tanaji and Queen of Jhansi Award (2022) and recognition at the Satara Bhushan Award Ceremony, for his contributions to arts and culture.

## Early life and education

Milind Sulekha Purushottam was born in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, to Purushottam Kamble and Sulekha Kamble. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, Milind was deeply inspired by his family, including his siblings Chitra Kamble and Purva Sachin Mohite, who supported his creative aspirations. Chitra Kamble gifted him his first camera, igniting his passion for visual storytelling.
Milind attended St. Mary's High School, Vashi, before pursuing a diploma in Industrial Electronics at Fr. Agnel Polytechnic, Navi Mumbai.

## Training and mentorship

Milind's artistic journey was shaped by the mentorship of several prominent figures in Indian cinema and theatre:

### Avinash M. Jadhav

Milind learned the fundamentals of direction and filmmaking under his cousin, Avinash M. Jadhav, a filmmaker known for projects in Bollywood, Tollywood, and Hollywood.Jadhav's contributions include films like Zhalla Bobhata, Gandhi the Monk, Paiyaa, Mirchi, Apaharan, Bodyguard, Dabangg, Singham, Caravan Ek Kaafila and TV serials like Chakva, Gangaa, Geet,Godhbharai, Raaz Pichhle Janam Ka, Sukha Dukhha Cha Vate Var, Suraksha,Gandhari Che Dole and Bedune Chaar. Avinash played a pivotal role in mentoring Milind during the early stages of his career.

### Rajesh Mayekar

Milind honed his acting and direction skills under Rajesh Mayekar at Vishnudas Bhave Natyagruha and Sadhana Ishwar Kalabrahma – Shastrashudh Kala Shikshan. Mayekar, a theatre veteran with over 32 years of experience, trained Milind in dramatic arts, instilling a deep understanding of stagecraft and character development.

### Milind Kishor Ukey

Milind further expanded his filmmaking expertise at Ukey Academy (Vidyapith), under the guidance of Milind Kishor Ukey, a director in Indian cinema. Ukey's acclaimed works include Ranveer the Marshal (2015), Paathshaala (2010), Dehraadun Diary (2013), Humne Jeena Seekh Liya (2007), Desh Devi (2002), Hanuman (2005), and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).Through this training, Milind gained a comprehensive understanding of the cinematic medium, particularly in direction and production.
Milind has expressed profound gratitude to his mentors, Jadhav, Mayekar, and Ukey, crediting their guidance for his growth and success in the creative field.

## Career

Milind began his career in the Indian film industry, working in various capacities as assistant director, associate director, and assistant editor. He contributed to several notable projects, including:

### Doordarshan Serials

Doordarshan Serials :
| Serial Name | Role |
| Sukha Dukha Chaya Vaate Var | Assistant Director |
| Suraksha | Assistant Director |
| Gandhari Che Dole | Assistant Director |
| Chakva | Assistant Director |
| Bedhune Chaar | Assistant Director |
| Gangaa | Assistant Director |

### Documentary and Docu-Film Projects

Documentary and Docu-Film Projects :
| Project Name | Role |
| Bodhivriksh | Episode Director (Lord Buddha Channel) |
| Caravan Ek Kaafila | Stills and Making |

### Marathi cinema

Marathi cinema contributions :
| Project Name | Role |
| Zhala Bobhata | DI-Colorist |
| Mohar | Stills and Making (One Day Shoot) |
In 2013, Milind launched his first web series, That Night. Despite technical challenges during its initial release, the series was later re-launched with a fresh concept in collaboration with Krishna Mohan Avancha, an author of over 150 books in the horror and spiritual genres.The partnership also resulted in the production of the thriller-horror series, Shadows of 333, currently under development by FGM Film Production & Management.

## Notable works

Notable Works :
| Work Title | Role |
| Bhook: The Hunger | Director/Editor |
| Tezaab: The Burning Wound | Director/Editor |
| That Night (Upcoming Web Series) | Director/Editor |
| Shadows of 333 (Upcoming Web Series) | Director/Editor |

## Awards and recognition

Awards and Recognition :
| Award Title | Year | Description |
| Veer Tanaji and Queen of Jhansi Award | 2022 | Honoring contributions to arts and culture |
| Satara Bhushan Award | 2022 | Recognized for excellence in filmmaking |
Milind also worked on several high-profile projects under Avinash M. Jadhav, including:
Projects Worked as Trainee under Avinash M. Jadhav :
| Type | Project Title |
| Films | Bodyguard |
| Films | Dabangg |
| Films | Singham |
| TV Serials | Geet |
| TV Serials | Godhbharai |

## Collaborations

Milind's creative collaborations include his work with Krishna Mohan Avancha, whose projects often draw from Indian ancient knowledge and spirituality. Their joint ventures reflect a unique blend of storytelling that combines modern filmmaking with traditional values.

## Personal life

Milind credits his family and mentors as the foundation of his success. His parents instilled cultural values, and his siblings, Chitra Kamble and Purva Sachin Mohite, supported his creative pursuits. Milind's teachers— Jadhav, Mayekar, and Ukey—played pivotal roles in shaping his journey in filmmaking and the arts.