5 Hollywood Directors Who Have Been Inspired By Satyajit Ray

Satyajit Ray was a visionary filmmaker whose work still inspires and awes millions of people who watch his films today and those who want to make a career in the field of cinema. He was also a graphic designer, music composer, writer and is often regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. His works such as Pather Panchali and The Apu Trilogy have been often regarded as his greatest works.

He was one of the first Indian filmmakers who took the Indian Cinema abroad and a lot of prestigious awards on the international front. He was even in talks with a Hollywood Studio to make a film about an alien who befriends a village boy, long before Steven Spielberg made ET. The man has inspired a number of great directors working today. Here are 5 Hollywood Directors who have been inspired by Satyajit Ray:

Martin Scorcese: The legendary filmmaker who has directed classics like Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Casino, The Departed etc is a huge fan of Satyajit Ray's work and often talks about how his films have inspired him. He also cherishes his interactions with him.

Christopher Nolan: The Dark Knight filmmaker is one of those rare directors who with every film manages to impress both the critics as well as set the box-office on fire. During his recent visit to India, he said that Satyajit Ray's Pather Panchali is extraordinary and one of the best films ever made. It made him want to work with Indian directors.

Wes Anderson: His works bear a heavy influence from Satyajit Ray who he has often cited as his inspiration. The ending of his film The Darjeeling Limited pays homage to Ray's Apu Trilogy.

Francis Ford Coppola: The legendary filmmaker who has directed The Godfather saga, often cited as the film of all time is a huge fan of Satyajit Ray's work and cites him as a major influence in his life. 

George Lucas: The creator of the Star Wars saga called Satyajit Ray an extraordinary filmmaker whose work had a profound influence on filmmakers across the world. He called for bringing his work to the attention of young filmmakers.