Born in Kolkata, Shonali is a multifaceted creative force, excelling as a writer, director, and producer. Her academic background is impressive, with an MA in Political Science from Columbia University and an MFA in Directing from UCLA Film School.
Shonali has written and directed three feature narrative films, each with its unique theme and style. Her first film, Amu, is based on her own novel of the same name, and it delves into the suppressed history of the genocidal attacks on Sikhs in Delhi in 1984. The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival, showcasing Shonali's talent to a global audience.
Her next film, Margarita with a Straw, was a groundbreaking portrayal of self-discovery, exploring the life of a rebellious young woman with cerebral palsy. This unconventional story resonated with critics and audiences alike, and it premiered at Sundance.
Shonali's third feature, The Sky is Pink, is an adaptation of a best-selling novel, starring Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar. This film received critical acclaim and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it was the only Asian film in the Gala section.
In addition to her feature films, Shonali has been commissioned to write the pilot and bible for a global series based on Diksha Basu's book 'The Windfall', by Anonymous Content and Paramount Pictures. She has also directed one of the six films in Amazon Prime's anthology series Modern Love: Mumbai, featuring Fatima Sana Shaikh.
Currently, Shonali is co-directing an Amazon Original series, Ziddi Girls, produced by Pritish Nandy Communications. This YA drama is set in the world of Delhi University and is sure to captivate audiences.
Shonali is a proud mother of two sons, Ishan and Vivan, and splits her time between Los Angeles and Mumbai.
