Vijay Kumar (British filmmaker)

Vijay Kumar was born in New Delhi, India in 1958. His birth name Vijay Makol, was changed to Vijay Kumar for his acting career. He debuted in the hit TV series Dekh Bhai Dekh. Vijay moved to Liverpool, UK at the age of 16 with his family and attended Cowley International College. Vijay returned to Mumbai, India in his early 20's with the ambition of breaking into Bollywood.

Vijay played a comic role in the hit TV series Dekh Bhai Dekh, which led to his featuring in hit feature films, Gangster,[4] Main Solah Baras Ki, Master,[5] King of Bollywood and Love U Mr Kalakaar. During Vijay's career as an actor, he also presented over 1,800 shows for both the BBC and Asian Sound Radio.[6][7] Vijay has Directed, Written and Produced a number of short films that have been featured in film festivals such as: Cannes Film Festival,[8] Ekotop Film Festival, JIFF India, Wirral International Film Festival[9] and the Edinburgh Film Festival.

Vijay’s first short film, Johnny, was shown at Cannes Film Festival and cast on Sky TV. Vijay was then picked up by Basement films of John Moore University, Liverpool to direct A Fatal Accident.[10][11] Fatal Accident featured in festivals such as the Edinburgh film Festival and Jaipur International Film Festival. He then went on to produce Unwanted Bride[12] and Bombay Beauty,[13][14] a short film shown in the Ekotop Film Festival for a number of consecutive days. Vijay's latest foray into short films was Audition, Vijay's first India based short film.

Vijay published his first book, Dev Saab, A Journey with the legend Dev Anand in 2018, recounting his friendship and many adventures with Indian film industry legend, Dev Anand. Vijay launched the book for the U.K. territory alongside his wife Geeta on BBC Asian Network.[15] The book was launched in Mumbai, India, by Suneil Anand, Dev Anand's son.[16] Vijay is currently working on his second book, When Rhea Meets Jessica, which is expected to be released in 2020-21.

Vijay Kumar's family consists of wife Geeta, son Karan, daughter Zinnia Kumar (model, actor and scientist) & son Rohit.

He was the Vice-President of Clearcom Global Communications Private Limited until 12 October 2013 and is a lifelong member of British Actors Equity Association. In 2018, Vijay oversaw the opening of the Dev Anand wing of the Seksaria hospital in Mumbai, India.