The 16th edition of the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK) is poised to honor the influential documentary filmmakers Naresh Bedi and Rajesh Bedi, universally known as the Bedi Brothers, with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition highlights their groundbreaking work in the realm of Indian wildlife filmmaking, a field they have passionately contributed to for over four decades.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 26 at 6 p.m. at the Kairali Theatre, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan set to present this distinguished accolade. The Lifetime Achievement Award carries a prize of ₹2 lakh, a memento sculpture, and a citation, symbolizing the festival’s deep reverence for their contributions.
Naresh and Rajesh Bedi have spent years capturing the elusive beauty and diversity of India’s wildlife through their documentaries and photographs. Their work not only opens a window to India’s rich natural heritage but also plays a significant role in educational and conservation initiatives. The Bedi Brothers’ journey began with Naresh’s graduation from the Film and Television Institute of India in 1969. Instead of pursuing a career in the more lucrative Hindi cinema, Naresh, along with his younger brother Rajesh, took a less traveled path into wildlife filmmaking—a field relatively unexplored in India during that time.
Their debut project, “The Ganges Gharial,” made waves with its revealing documentation of the previously unknown behavioral traits of this rare crocodilian species. Filmed using a hand-cranked camera, this documentary not only earned international recognition but also won the highly esteemed Panda Award at Wildscreen in 1984. This was just the beginning, as the Bedi Brothers went on to produce a series of celebrated documentaries focusing on various aspects of India’s wildlife.
Among their notable works are documentaries on tigers and elephants, which have enjoyed global exposure on major television networks.
. “Saving the Tiger” and “Man-eating Tigers” are among their most significant projects, both earning BAFTA nominations—a testament to their skill and dedication.
Rajesh Bedi’s contribution is not confined to filmmaking; he is equally acclaimed for his exceptional work in wildlife photography. His book, “Indian Wildlife,” published in 1987, showcases his stunning images and serves as a visual testimony to India’s natural world. Rajesh’s photographs have graced the pages of the prestigious National Geographic magazine and even featured on Indian postage stamps, underlining his influence and reach. His talent was further acknowledged in 1986 when he was named Wildlife Photographer of the Year in the United Kingdom.
Over the years, the Bedi Brothers’ dedication and impact have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2015, they were awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Their accomplishments also include the Whale Award at the Wildlife Asia Film Festival and the Prithvi Ratna from the Centre for Media Studies.
The IDSFFK, running from July 26 to 31 at Kairali, Sree, and Nila Theatres, will feature a comprehensive retrospective of the Bedi Brothers’ work. This retrospective will include a series of their acclaimed projects, such as “Chasing Shadows Part 1 and 2,” “Ladakh – The Forbidden Wilderness,” “Sadhus – Living with the Dead Wild,” “Adventures Hot Air Ballooning with Bedi Brothers,” “Monarch of the Himalayas,” “Corbett’s Legacy,” and “Cherub of Mist-Red Panda.”
This celebration at the IDSFFK not only serves to honor the Bedi Brothers but also underscores the critical importance of wildlife filmmaking in fostering an understanding and appreciation of nature. Their pioneering work has been instrumental in influencing public perception and driving conservation efforts, ensuring that the rich tapestry of India’s wildlife continues to thrive for future generations to admire and protect.
Thus, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the IDSFFK is not just a personal accolade for Naresh and Rajesh Bedi; it stands as a beacon of recognition for all those dedicated to the noble cause of wildlife conservation through the powerful medium of film and photography.
