Nusrat F. Jafri is one of those rare names in Indian cinema who has managed to balance two creative worlds — filmmaking and writing. Over the years, she has built a career that reflects both her technical skill behind the camera and her sensitivity as a storyteller. Known widely as a cinematographer, she has worked on films and series that have left a mark on audiences.
Her journey is inspiring because it shows how a person can move across different fields and still remain true to their voice. From working on big Bollywood productions to independent films, and from journalism to literature, Nusrat has shown that creativity has no boundaries. Today, she is respected not only for her technical craft but also for the honesty and depth she brings to her work.
Nusrat F. Jafri Height, Husband, Children, Parents, Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nusrat F. Jafri |
| Date of Birth | 19 April |
| Age (as of 2026) | In her 30s |
| Birthplace | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion/Belief | Mixed background – Father (Abid Jafri), Mother (Meera Jafri) |
| Ethnicity/Tribe | Maternal grandparents belonged to the Bhantu tribe (later converted) |
| Education | La Martiniere College, Lucknow; BA in Mass Communication (Delhi Univ.); MA in Mass Communication (Jamia Millia Islamia) |
| Profession | Cinematographer, Writer, Former Journalist |
| Known For | Films (Shahid, Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz, Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare); Book (This Land We Call Home) |
| Height | 5’4” (163 cm) |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Sumit Roy (Screenwriter, married in 2011 with three ceremonies) |
| Children | Son – Dylan Jafri Roy (born 2014) |
| Pet | Cat named Jamia |
| Awards | IPTDA Award (2022), Critics Choice Nomination (2022), South Asia Speaks Fellowship (2025) |
| Notable Book | This Land We Call Home (2024) |
| Residence (as of 2026) | India |
| Net Worth (2026) | 1-2 crore INR (approx) |
| @nusratfjafri/ | |
| IMDb | @nm2215771/ |
Early Life and Family Background
Nusrat was born on 19 April in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a city known for its culture, history, and art. Her family background is unique and reflects India’s diversity. Her father, Abid Jafri, comes from a Shia Muslim family, while her mother, Meera Jafri, is Christian.
Her maternal grandparents belonged to the Bhantu tribe, a community that was once classified as a “criminal tribe” during colonial times. Later, they converted to Christianity. This part of her family history has deeply influenced Nusrat’s writing, especially her book This Land We Call Home, where she explores the struggles of denotified tribes and the impact of caste and conversion.
Height, Physical Appearance
Nusrat F. weighs about 55 kg and is 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. Jafri has black eyes and black hair, features that reflect her Indian heritage. While her physical appearance is simple and natural, what truly sets her apart is her personality. Colleagues often describe her as warm, approachable, and deeply passionate about her work.
Her presence behind the camera is marked by focus and creativity. She is known for paying attention to detail and for capturing emotions in a way that feels real and human. These traits have helped her gain respect in an industry where female cinematographers are still rare.
Education and Academic Journey
She studied at La Martiniere College in Lucknow, one of the oldest and most respected schools in India. Later, she moved to Delhi for higher studies and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Delhi University (2000–2002). Her interest in media and storytelling grew stronger during this time.
She then pursued a Master’s degree in Mass Communication at Jamia Millia Islamia (2002–2005), a university known for producing some of India’s finest filmmakers and journalists. At Jamia, she learned the technical aspects of filmmaking and developed her skills in cinematography.
Rise as a Cinematographer
Nusrat’s entry into films began with assistant and continuity roles. She worked on big productions like Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), and Kaminey (2009). Her collaborations with directors like Hansal Mehta, Onir, and Shlok Sharma further strengthened her position in the industry.
Her breakthrough came when she started working as a director of photography (DoP). She handled films like Shahid (2012), which was based on the life of lawyer Shahid Azmi, and Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz (2018), a romantic drama that was praised for its visual storytelling. She also worked on the web series Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare (2018), which showed her ability to adapt to different formats.
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Awards and Recognitions
Nusrat’s hard work and talent have been recognized with several awards. In 2022, she won the IPTDA Award for her work in Pilibhit, a film that highlighted rural life and social issues. The same year, she was nominated for the Critics Choice Award, which showed that her peers respected her craft.
Her literary work also brought her recognition. In 2025, she was selected for the South Asia Speaks Fellowship, a program that supports writers from the region. Earlier, in 2021, she was featured in the anthology Rising Beyond The Ceiling, which celebrated women achievers from diverse backgrounds.
Career Beginnings in Journalism
Before Nusrat entered the world of cinema, she started her career in journalism. She worked with The Pioneer, a well-known newspaper, and later with CNBC Awaaz, a business news channel. These early years gave her a strong foundation in storytelling and reporting.
Her time in journalism also gave her discipline and confidence. She learned how to work under deadlines and how to communicate with different kinds of people. These skills later helped her when she moved into filmmaking. The shift from journalism to cinema was not easy, but Nusrat carried her curiosity and honesty into her new field.
Literary Contributions
Apart from her work in cinema, Nusrat has also made her mark in the world of literature. In 2024, she published her book This Land We Call Home. This memoir is not just about her family but also about the larger history of caste, conversion, and the struggles of denotified tribes in India.
The book spans four generations of her family and shows how identity, faith, and social status shaped their lives. It is written in a style that is both personal and powerful, making readers reflect on issues that are often ignored.
Personal Life: Love and Marriage
Nusrat’s personal life is as interesting as her professional journey. She met Sumit Roy, a screenwriter, and the two developed a strong bond. Their relationship grew over time, and in 2011, they got married. What makes their wedding special is that they celebrated it with three different ceremonies, honoring both sides of their cultural and religious backgrounds.
The couple has a son named Dylan Jafri Roy, born in 2014. His name was inspired by the legendary musician Bob Dylan, showing the couple’s love for art and music. Nusrat often speaks about how motherhood has changed her perspective and given her new strength.
Interesting Facts and Trivia about Nusrat F. Jafri
- Nusrat developed a love for photography from childhood, often carrying a camera to capture everyday life.
- She is one of the few female cinematographers in India, making her journey unique and inspiring in a male-dominated field.
- Nusrat has worked with respected directors like Hansal Mehta, Onir, and Shlok Sharma, showing her versatility across different genres.
- Her pet cat Jamia is a constant companion, reflecting her affection for animals.
- She and her husband Sumit Roy celebrated their marriage in three different ceremonies in 2011, honoring both cultural and religious traditions.
- She has balanced careers in journalism, filmmaking, and literature, proving her ability to move across creative fields.
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