# Mayur Puri

Mayur Puri is an Indian screenwriter, lyricist, actor and film-maker working in Mumbai. His film songwriting and dialogue work includes Farah Khan-directed films Om Shanti Om (2007), and Happy New Year (2014), as well as the 3D dance franchise ABCD: Any Body Can Dance and ABCD: Any Body Can Dance 2. He directed his first short film, Firdaws, in 2017.
On 17 November 2014, the library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences selected the screenplay for Happy New Year for its permanent Core Collection.
Mayur has also worked on the adaptation and translation of several U.S. films and TV shows into Hindi, including Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle (2018), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, The Lion King (2019), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Orange Is The New Black (2013–19), Jojo Rabbit (2019), Spies in Disguise (2019), and Locke and Key (2020).

## Early life

Mayur was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where he completed most of his education, earning a master's degree from the University School of Languages and a one-year diploma in dramatics from the Drama Department of Gujarat College.

## Career

He spent his early years writing and directing for local theatre and television, before moving from Ahmedabad to Mumbai in late 1999, where he began working as chief assistant director to Sanjay Gadhvi at Yash Raj Films. They worked on three films together: Tere Liye, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (2002; Mayur's first as a screenwriter), and Dhoom (2004). During his first year in Mumbai, he also wrote and starred as the lead in a Gujarati play, Amastaa Amastaa (2001).
In 2004, Mayur left Yash Raj Films to work as an independent screenwriter and lyricist. His first film as an independent was My Name is Anthony Gonsalves (2008), an adaptation of Julius Caesar. His breakthrough as a screenwriter was Om Shanti Om (2007), from which several phrases entered the film-quote lexicon.
Puri was the creative director for the animation film Jumbo (2008) produced by Percept Picture Company, and co-wrote Blue (2009), the first Indian film to be shot extensively underwater. He then wrote the script for Prince (2010), in which he also appeared in a supporting role.
In 2009, Mayur took a sabbatical from Bollywood; in 2010, he founded Story Circus, a theatre production group that creates live theatre and storytelling productions for educational institutions and other clients, and in 2011, he founded FilmGoa, a joint initiative with Goa University which provides training and job support to aspiring film-makers and facilitates film making in Goa. Mayur's next Bollywood project was Remo D'Souza's directorial debut F.A.L.T.U (2011), the script and screenplay for which he had written a few years previously.
Through his Story Circus project, Mayur reconnected with director Farah Khan, whose children were attending one of the workshops, and began working on the script for her next project Happy New Year. Around the same time, he began working with composer Pritam on songs for Race 2 (2013) and I Love New Year (2013). "Be Intehaan" from Race 2 was later ranked as the 7th most romantic song of 2013, according to a poll in The Times of India. By 2012, Mayur had returned to full-time writing, contributing additional dialogue and lyrics for Remo D'Souza's next musical ABCD: Any Body Can Dance (2013).
Happy New Year was released in 2014, with a script written by Mayur. On 17 November 2014, the library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences selected the screenplay for Happy New Year for its permanent Core Collection. He also worked on the script and song lyrics for ABCD: Any Body Can Dance 2 (2015), and provided lyrics for films including Humshakals, Entertainment (2014), Kick (2014), and All is Well (2015).

## Directorial work

In 2017, Mayur directed his first short film, Firdaws, which was entered into the official selection at a number of festivals, winning a number of awards.

## Awards and nominations

| Award | Year | Film | Category | Result |
| Filmfare Awards | 2008 | Om Shanti Om | Best Dialogue | Nominated |
| Li'l Star Awards | 2008 | Om Shanti Om | Best Dialogue | Won |
| German Public Bollywood Awards | 2008 | Om Shanti Om | Best Dialogue | Won |
| Star Screen Awards | 2009 | Singh Is Kinng | Best Lyrics – Teri Ore | Nominated |
| Star Guild Awards | 2014 | Race 2 | Best Lyrics – Beintehaan | Nominated |
| Mirchi Music Awards | 2016 | ABCD 2 | Best Lyrics – Chunar | Nominated |
| Feel The Reel International Film Festival | 2017 | Firdaws | 3rd Best of the Fest Award | Won |
| Feel The Reel International Film Festival | 2017 | Firdaws | Audience Award | Won |
| Feel The Reel International Film Festival | 2017 | Firdaws | Best Screenplay | Nominated |
| Roma Cinema DOC | 2017 | Firdaws | Best International Short Film | Nominated |
| Baretower Forge World Film Competition | 2017 | Firdaws | Best Plot Development - Runner Up | Won |
| Los Angeles Film Awards | 2017 | Firdaws | Best Fantasy Film | Won |
| Festigious International Film Festival | 2017 | Firdaws | Best Fantasy Film | Won |
| Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards | 2017 | Firdaws | Best Foreign Film Short | Nominated |
| Top Shorts | 2017 | Firdaws | Best Fantasy Film | Won |
| Auckland International Film Festival | 2017 | Firdaws | Best Short Film | Nominated |
| Depth of Field International Film Festival | 2017 | Firdaws | Best of Show | Won |
| VOB Film Festival | 2017 | Firdaws | Shorts | Nominated |
| Top Indie Film Awards | 2018 | Firdaws | Best Original Idea | Won |

## Filmography

| Year | Film | Lyrics | Actor | Director | Dialogue Writer | Assistant Director / Associate Director | Notes |
| 2000 | Tere Liye | | | | | Yes | First Assistant Director |
| 2002 | Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai | | | | Yes | Yes | Chief Assistant Director Screenplay & Dialogue |
| 2003 | Fun2shh... Dudes in the 10th Century | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Dhuan Dhuan |
| 2004 | Dhoom | | | | | Yes | Associate Director |
| 2005 | Chocolate | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Halka Halka, Khalish, Mummy |
| 2005 | Garam Masala | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Falak Dekhun |
| 2005 | Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Ishq Hai Jhoota, Yaaron |
| 2006 | Fight Club – Members Only | Yes | | | Yes | | Additional Dialogue Lyrics: Ye Khuda, Chhore Ki Baatein, Fight Club |
| 2006 | Provoked | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Zindagi (This version of the song Alive was recorded by Shreya Ghoshal but was not featured in the movie or officially released) |
| 2006 | Gangster | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Bheegi Bheegi |
| 2006 | Pyaar Ke Side Effects | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Tauba Main, Jaane Kya Chahe Mann, Is this love? Dil Tod Ke, Allah Bachaye, Bad Boy |
| 2006 | Apna Sapna Money Money | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Paisa Paisa |
| 2006 | Naksha | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: U and I |
| 2007 | Om Shanti Om | | Yes | | Yes | | Dialogue Role: Gujju Director |
| 2007 | Hattrick | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Ek Pal Ne, Rabba Khair Kare, Wicket Bacha |
| 2007 | Speed | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Hello, Loving You, Tikhi Tikhi, Wanna Wanna |
| 2007 | Dhol | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: All Night Long |
| 2008 | Singh Is Kinng | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Bas Ek King, Jee Karda, Teri Ore, Talli Hua, Bhootni Ke |
| 2008 | My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves | | | | Yes | | Story, Screenplay & Dialogue |
| 2008 | Love Story 2050 | | | | Yes | | Dialogue |
| 2008 | Kidnap | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Hey Ya, Haan Ji, Mausam, Meri Ek Ada Shola |
| 2008 | Jumbo | | Yes | | | | Creative Director |
| 2009 | Billu | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Love Mera Hit Hit |
| 2009 | Blue | Yes | | | Yes | | Dialogue Lyrics: Aaj Dil Gustakh Hai, Aaj Dil Gustakh Hai (Remix) |
| 2009 | Ek: The Power of One | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Bang Bang |
| 2010 | Prince | | Yes | | Yes | | Dialogue Role: P.K. |
| 2010 | Toh Baat Pakki! | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Jis Din Mera |
| 2011 | F.A.L.T.U | | | | Yes | | Dialogue & Screenplay |
| 2011 | Hum Tum Shabana | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Kaare Kaare |
| 2011 | Double Dhamaal | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Chill Maaro |
| 2011 | Tell Me O Kkhuda | Yes | | | Yes | | Dialogue & Screenplay Lyrics: Someone Somebody, Morchang, Janasheen, Love you Dad |
| 2012 | Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Pee Paa, Fann Ban Gayi |
| 2012 | Jannat 2 | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Jannatein Kahaan |
| 2012 | Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Dil Garden Garden |
| 2012 | Ajab Gazabb Love | | Yes | | Yes | | Dialogue & Screenplay Role: T2 |
| 2013 | Race 2 | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Be-Intehaan, Lat Lag Gayee, Allah Duhaayi Hai |
| 2013 | ABCD: Any Body Can Dance | Yes | | | Yes | | Additional Dialogue Lyrics: Bezubaan, Psycho Re, Sorry Sorry, Chandu Ki GirlFriend, Duhaayi, Kar Ja Ya Mar Ja, Shambhu Sutaya, Sadda Dil Vi Tu |
| 2013 | Himmatwala | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Thank God It's Friday |
| 2013 | I, Me Aur Main | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Dar-ba-dar |
| 2013 | Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Thoda Thoda, Hai Naa |
| 2013 | Commando | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Lutt Jawaan, Saawan Bairi, Mungda, Lena Dena |
| 2013 | Issaq | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Issaq Tera(Male), Issaq Tera (Duet) |
| 2013 | R... Rajkumar | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Saree Ke Fall Sa |
| 2014 | Dishkiyaoon | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Mere Type Ka Nahi Hai |
| 2014 | Shaadi Ke Side Effects | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Vyah Karke Pachhtaya |
| 2014 | Humshakals | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Hum Paagal Nahi Hai, Barbaad Raat |
| 2014 | It's Entertainment | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Johnny Johnny, Veerey Di Wedding |
| 2014 | Kick | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Tu Hi Tu, Tu Hi Tu (Reprise) |
| 2014 | Radio Mirchi Song | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Tere Bina Main - Mirchi Song |
| 2014 | Finding Fanny | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Shake Your Bootiya |
| 2014 | Happy New Year | | | | Yes | | Dialogue |
| 2015 | Coke Studio | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Sawan Mein |
| 2015 | ABCD: Any Body Can Dance 2 | Yes | | | Yes | | Dialogue Lyrics: Bezubaan Phir Se, Bezubaan Phir Se Reprise, Happy Hour, Happy Budday, If You Hold My Hand, Naach Meri Jaan, Tattoo Song, Maayi Teri Chunariya, Hey Gannraya, Vande Mataram |
| 2015 | I Love NY | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Gud Nal Ishq, Halki Halki, Aaja Meri Jaan |
| 2015 | Bajrangi Bhaijaan | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Selfie, Chicken Song |
| 2015 | All Is Well | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Tu Mila De |
| 2015 | Baaki Baatein Peene Baad | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Baaki Baatein Peene Baad |
| 2016 | Fursat | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Fursat |
| 2016 | The Jungle Book | Yes | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue Hindi Lyrics: Ye Zarooratein (Bare Necessities:Hindi), Tujhsa Banoo (I wanna be like you:Hindi) |
| 2016 | Captain America: Civil War | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2016 | The Angry Birds Movie | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue with Taranveer Singh & Akshaye Rathi |
| 2016 | Finding Dory | Yes | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue Hindi Lyrics: Hum Chaley Ghar (We're Going Home:Hindi), Ghar Wapasi (Migration:Hindi), Tairtey Raho (Just Keep Swimming:Hindi) |
| 2016 | Dishoom | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Toh Dhishoom, Janemann Aah |
| 2016 | A Flying Jatt | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Bhangra Pa |
| 2016 | Moana | Yes | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue Hindi Lyrics: Aagey Aagey (Make Way:Hindi), Manzil Meri (How Far I'll Go:Hindi), Tathastu (You are Welcome:Hindi), Shona (Shiny: Hindi), Tu Hi Hai (Who You Are: Hindi), Avey Avey (Avey Avey: Hindi) |
| 2017 | Ek Dafaa | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Ek Dafaa |
| 2017 | Raees | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Dhingana |
| 2017 | Firdaws | Yes | | Yes | Yes | | Director Story, Screenplay & Dialogue Lyrics: Firdaws (OST) |
| 2017 | Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2017 | Thor: Ragnarok | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2018 | Avengers: Infinity War | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2018 | Incredibles 2 | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2018 | Ralph Breaks the Internet | Yes | | | | | Hindi Lyrics: Slaughter Race, Hindi Lyrics: Superstar |
| 2018 | Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2019 | Avengers: Endgame | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2019 | The Lion King | Yes | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue & Hindi Lyrics |
| 2019 | Maleficent: Mistress of Evil | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2019 | Hona Chaida - Arjun Kanungo | Yes | | | | | Lyrics |
| 2019 | Orange Is The New Black:All Seasons | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue for Netflix India |
| 2019 | Jojo Rabbit | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2020 | Spies In Disguise | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue for Netflix India |
| 2020 | Locke & Key | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue for Netflix India |
| 2020 | My Neighbor Totoro | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue for Netflix India |
| 2020 | Kiki's Delivery Service | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue for Netflix India |
| 2020 | Ponyo | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue for Netflix India |
| 2020 | Mira - Royal Detective | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue for Netflix India |
| 2020 | The Willoughbys | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue for Netflix India |
| 2020 | Here We Are | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue for Netflix India |
| 2022 | Titu Ambani | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: Jabre Piya, Mr. Malang, Haq Tumko Hi, Badal Gaye Tum |
| 2022 | Atithi Bhooto Bhava | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: "Raat Kawari Hai" |
| 2022 | Middle Class Love | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: "Hypnotize" |
| 2022 | Avatar: The Way of Water | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2023 | Shehzada | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: "Shehzada Title Track" |
| 2023 | Chatrapathi | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: "Bareilly Ki Bazaar" |
| 2024 | Deadpool & Wolverine | | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue |
| 2024 | Mufasa: The Lion King | Yes | | | Yes | | Hindi Dialogue and lyrics |
| 2025 | Badass Ravi Kumar | Yes | | | | | Lyrics: "Dil Ke Taj Mahal Mein" |