The biographical film based on the life of bandit queen Phoolan Devi was directed by which noted Indian film director?

Introduction / Context:
Indian cinema often portrays real life personalities through biographical films. One well known film is Bandit Queen, based on the life of Phoolan Devi, who rose from a difficult background to become a controversial figure and later a politician. This question tests whether the learner can connect this critically acclaimed film with its director, Shekhar Kapur.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The film is based on the life of Phoolan Devi.
• It is a serious biographical drama rather than a typical commercial entertainer.
• The options include several famous Indian film personalities, many from the Kapoor family.
• Only one of them actually directed Bandit Queen.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall key facts from Indian film history. Shekhar Kapur is known for directing Bandit Queen in the mid nineteen nineties, a film that received international acclaim for its realism and powerful storytelling. The other options are actors or directors of different genres who are not associated with this particular film. Recognising this connection helps select the right answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the film as Bandit Queen, which dramatises the life of Phoolan Devi.Step 2: Recall that the film is known for its raw, realistic style and festival circuit recognition.Step 3: Link this style and title with Shekhar Kapur, who directed Bandit Queen before moving on to international projects like Elizabeth.Step 4: Recognise that Raj Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor were associated more with earlier family and social dramas.Step 5: Realise that Anil Kapoor and Mahesh Bhatt did not direct this particular biographical film.

Verification / Alternative check:
Film archives, award listings, and credible cinema references list Bandit Queen under Shekhar Kapur as director. This consistent attribution across sources confirms his role. No trustworthy source describes the others as directors of this film, so the identification is straightforward.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Raj Kapoor directed and acted in classic films like Awaara and Sangam, not Bandit Queen.Option B: Shashi Kapoor was primarily an actor and producer, not the director of this film.Option D: Anil Kapoor is mainly known as an actor.Option E: Mahesh Bhatt directed many films but not the biographical film on Phoolan Devi.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse members of the Kapoor family because several of them are involved in acting, directing, or producing. Another mistake is to guess based on name familiarity without recalling the specific filmography. Creating a mental association between Bandit Queen and Shekhar Kapur helps prevent such confusion.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Shekhar Kapur.