The Indian film producer, screenwriter, and director Kiran Rao (born 7 November 1973) works primarily in Hindi cinema. Rao founded the non-profit Paani Foundation in 2016, whose mission is to fight drought in Maharashtra.
She started her career as an assistant director on the epic film Lagaan directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, with whom she also assisted on Swades: We, the People. In the foreign language film category, Lagaan was nominated for the 74th Academy Awards. The film was produced and starred by Aamir Khan. Before Lagaan, she was also seen in Dil Chahta Hai in a supporting role. Also, she was a second assistant director on the indie hit Monsoon Wedding under Oscar-nominated director Mira Nair.
In January 2011, she directed and scripted the film Dhobi Ghat under Aamir Khan Productions. She is now writing her next film, which will be based in Kolkata.
In 2015, Kiran Rao became chairperson of the Mumbai Film Festival - MAMI. The Satyamev Jayate Water Cup Anthem, Toofan Aalaya, was also sung by her