While ace actor-screenwriter Saurabh Shukla needs no introduction, there's far less conversation about his multi-talented wife, Barnali Ray Shukla, a woman who has successfully worn many hats.
When we think of actor and screenwriter Saurabh Shukla, it’s his powerful on-screen presence that stands out, whether in comedic roles or intense dramas. But little is known about the creative force he shares his life with: filmmaker, writer, and poet, Barnali Ray Shukla. She is a woman of many talents and an exceptional storyteller. With a career rooted in both literature and cinema, she has created a body of work that prioritises meaningful narratives over commercial spectacle.
Barnali has steadily built a body of work with stories that are real and relatable, often shining a light on people and places we rarely hear about. With a sharp eye for detail and an instinct for empathy, she brings honesty and heart to everything she creates. Here’s a closer look at the many sides of Barnali Ray Shukla, a storyteller who’s quietly making her mark in the industry.
Barnali Ray is a filmmaker, poet and playwright, who has penned scripts for documentaries, feature films, and short films. Her work spans various mediums and genres, from poetry to full-length feature films. Barnali’s career is rooted in both literature and cinema. However, she began her journey as a microbiology student, who topped her class in graduation and post-grads. In an interview with The Daily Eye in 2018, talking about her journey from being an ace student to a mutant poet, Barnali shared:
“I was charting out the best route to USA with ridiculously high scores in GRE… I was excited about the pursuit of biotechnology but then a debate came by… I was hit by the idea of this upcoming debate. I had to pitch the ills of biotechnology… I was always in favour of progress in this field and in awe of biotechnology… Kaboom! I was exposed to a minefield of terrifying realities of this field… It was my personal break-up with the formal study of science. At 22, I didn’t have an existential crisis but I didn’t want to grow up saying, It's finally all carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Everything else is an opinion! Thus. my secret life with the Humanities began.”
Barnali Ray’s creative journey began with writing. Her relationship with storytelling was rooted in poetry and short stories before she found herself drawn to cinema. Over the years, she transitioned behind the camera, bringing a unique voice. Today, as a filmmaker, she’s known for stories that are delicate yet impactful, focusing on the human experience in its rawest form.
Barnali made her directorial debut in 2011 with the film, Kucch Luv Jaisaa, starring Shefali Shah and Rahul Bose. The film immediately stood out for its nuanced portrayal of two strangers finding companionship in each other. Before this, she also worked as an assistant director in Ram Gopal Varma’s legendary 1998 film, Satya, starring JD Chakravarthi, Manoj Bajpayee and Urmila Matondkar.
Barnali tied the knot with Saurabh Shukla, one of the most respected actors and screenwriters of Bollywood. The duo shares a deep bond that is reflected in their respective narratives. However, while Saurabh has a prominent on-screen presence, Barnali operates behind the camera.
Despite being married to a public figure, Barnali has kept her life deliberately low-profile. She values her privacy and prefers to let her work speak for itself. She has often spoken about how the craft of storytelling, whether through poems or films, drives her more than fame ever could.
On the professional front, Barnali continues to write and work on new projects, both in literature and film. Under her banner, Dark Chocolate Films, Barnali continues to create “bittersweet films, good for the heart”. She likes to keep a low profile but has directed several unique projects, including Once Upon A Sky and All Is Well. Her next directorial venture, Joon, is scheduled for release on April 18, 2025, starring Neha Dinesh Anand, Akshay Sharma, Rahul Duhan, and Anahita Amani Singh.
Barnali Ray Shukla’s commitment to meaningful storytelling makes her a distinctive and important voice in the contemporary realm of Indian cinema and literature.
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