Rahul Mittra on Delhi winters, cinema’s evolution, and living between two cities that never stop inspiring him

Rahul Mittra is a storyteller shaped by many worlds — journalism, cinema, branding, and now, acting. A self-made, first-generation filmmaker, he helped shift Bollywood from glossy NRI narratives to raw, small-town realism that felt lived, local, and honest.

An alumnus of Modern School, Hindu College, and JNU, Mittra began at The Times of India before launching his own banner, Rahul Mittra Films. His films — Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, Bullett Raja, Revolver Rani, Sarkar 3, and Torbaaz — pushed cinematic boundaries. More recently, he’s stepped into the frame himself with performances in Chamkila, Inspector Avinash, Ek Chatur Naar, and Haq.

In a heartfelt conversation with Life and Style, Mittra opens up about Delhi, creativity, and the beautiful unpredictability of life.

Here are edited excerpts from an exclusive interview.

Delhi is layered, nostalgic… and home.

Ask him about Delhi, and Mittra’s voice softens.

“Layered, yes; restless, not for me,” he says. “I’m living my Delhi dream in this melting pot of history and culture.”

He loves the city’s skyline — where Mughal arches meet modern steel — though the winter pollution tests his patience. “One cool whiff of air in this majestic city makes up for it,” he smiles.

“Two cities. Two muses.”

Mittra divides his time between Delhi and Mumbai, effortlessly navigating the space between policy corridors and film studios.

“Mumbai fuels my creative energy; Delhi grounds me with its culture and depth. I’ve never compared them — I like having two muses.”

It’s a balance few manage, but one that keeps him inspired, evolving, and always curious.

The Magic of a Delhi Winter Day

For Mittra, the perfect winter morning begins with table tennis, followed by a steam, and a hearty breakfast — sometimes steaming idlis, sometimes sinful chole bhature.

He loves buying roasted peanuts from coal-heated carts, watching fog drift over blooming trees.

“There’s something magical about Delhi in winter,” he says, “soft air, blossoms, and a sense of pause.”

From Journalist to Filmmaker: A Journey Written in Instinct

Mittra’s earliest memories are lit by cinema.

“My IAS father took us to movies like Amar Akbar Anthony and Haathi Mere Saathi. I was captivated.”

From radio shows in Delhi to reporting at The Times of India, from brand strategy to corporate communications — every phase sharpened his storytelling instincts.

In 2010, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster marked his filmmaking debut. “In hindsight, every step prepared me for cinema,” he reflects.

How Delhi Shapes His Stories

“Where we live shapes how we think,” he says. Delhi, with its politics, cultures, contradictions, and communities, gives him richness — a lens through which emotion and nuance emerge naturally.

The result? Stories that feel authentic, rooted, and real.

Staying Grounded in a Changing Industry

The film world thrives on unpredictability — but for Mittra, that chaos is grounding.

“I began earning ₹2,500 a month. It’s been a magical journey. I’ve learned not to obsess over the destination — to live in the moment. Change keeps life interesting; we grow through what we go through.”

If Delhi Were a Film…

“A political thriller, without doubt,” he laughs.

“Complex, layered, unpredictable. And I’d play the antagonist. Good is boring, isn’t it?”

Where He Finds His Quiet Spaces

When he needs a pause, he simply drives down Shanti Path, catching a glimpse of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

He gravitates toward places that feel timeless — The Oberoi, The Imperial, Claridges, Amour Bistro at Malcha Marg — and Nan King for comforting Chinese meals.

“These places feel like extensions of home — elegant, warm, and grounding.”

Between reels and real life, Rahul Mittra continues to evolve — drawing from Delhi’s depth, Mumbai’s energy, and the countless stories waiting to be told.