ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
University of Bristol confers honorary doctorate on Krishnendu Majumdar
Majumdar received his honorary degree during the University of Bristol’s summer graduation ceremonies on 16 July.
-
Bhavana P - Sat, 18, Jul 2026
- 18:03 EDT
- 124
Krishnendu Majumdar at his honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) ceremony with his twin boys, Ishan and Ayush / University of Bristol
Indian-origin BAFTA-winning filmmaker Krishnendu Majumdar was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) by the University of Bristol.
He was recognized for his outstanding contributions to film and television and his leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion across the creative industries.
A graduate of Bristol's Drama and English programme, Majumdar received the honour during the university's summer graduation ceremony on July 16, joining a distinguished list of creative professionals recognised by the institution in recent years.
Also read: Uttam Singisetti to lead UB semiconductor center
Majumdar has built a career spanning more than three decades. He won a BAFTA for producing I Am Ruth, the acclaimed Channel 4 drama directed by Dominic Savage and starring Kate Winslet, and an International Emmy for the comedy series Hoff the Record. His credits also include co-creating and directing the BAFTA-nominated travel series An Idiot Abroad.
From 2020 to 2023, Majumdar served as chair of BAFTA, becoming the youngest person in 35 years and the first person of colour to hold the position. During his 17-year association with the organisation, he also chaired the learning and new talent committee and the television committee, championing initiatives to support emerging talent and improve diversity within the industry.
Accepting the honorary degree, Majumdar described the recognition as a tribute not only to his own achievements but also to his family and community. Reflecting on his heritage, he said his father had travelled from India to Britain by boat in the 1960s before establishing a career as a doctor, adding that he owed much to the Bengali immigrant community whose sacrifices created opportunities for future generations.
Majumdar also recalled his years at Bristol between 1994 and 1997, when he balanced academic studies with acting, directing student productions and part-time work.
“We are all storytellers, whatever career we choose – whether in engineering or politics, but particularly in journalism, film, television, or theatre. It’s about being true to yourself, having something to say, and thinking about how to express it in the most impactful way,” Majumdar said.
After graduating, he earned a postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism from Cardiff University before becoming the first person to complete both the ITN News Trainee and BBC Production Trainee programmes.
The University of Bristol said the honour recognises Majumdar's creative excellence, inspirational leadership and lasting commitment to widening access and opportunity within the film and television industry.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Leave A Comment
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login