Some of cinema's greatest magic is created not by the stars on screen, but by the artists who build the worlds audiences inhabit. Among them stands veteran art director Anjani Tiwari, whose remarkable career spans more than five decades and over 600 films, television serials, documentaries, advertisements, web series, and international productions.Born in Mahua, Bihar, and trained in Fine Arts, Tiwari's journey changed forever when the legendary Prithviraj Kapoor, impressed by his artistic talent, urged him to move to Bombay. Armed with little more than determination and Kapoor's encouragement, he entered an industry where persistence mattered as much as talent.From creating the haunting visual landscapes of classics like Veerana, Tahkhana, and Purana Haveli to designing the understated realism of filmmakers such as Basu Chatterjee and Shakti Samanta, Tiwari demonstrated that art direction is not merely about constructing sets—it is about creating believable worlds that serve the story.

Reflecting on the evolution of filmmaking, Tiwari believes technology has transformed the craft but not its essence. While AI, VFX, and virtual production have expanded creative possibilities, he insists that imagination, observation, research, and emotional understanding remain the true foundations of cinema. "Technology is a tool," he says, "not a substitute for creativity."Beyond his professional achievements, colleagues affectionately know him as 'Baba'—a mentor whose generosity has quietly helped launch numerous careers without ever seeking recognition. Even today, alongside his filmmaker son Neelabh Tiwari, he continues producing meaningful Bhojpuri cinema, championing quality storytelling and cultural authenticity.When asked how he wishes to be remembered, Tiwari's answer reflects the values that have defined his life: not for awards or the number of films he has worked on, but as an honest artist, a humble storyteller, and above all, a good human being.At a time when cinema is rapidly embracing artificial intelligence, Anjani Tiwari's journey is a powerful reminder that technology may change the tools of filmmaking, but timeless stories will always begin with human imagination, craftsmanship, humility, and heart.

( DAILY WORLD )