Indian Film Technologist Ujwal N. Nirgudkar Receives Prestigious SMPTE Citation Award
Ujwal N. Nirgudkar, a veteran Indian film technologist, received SMPTE's Citation Award for advancing global motion picture technology and promoting international standards in India.
Indian film technologist Ujwal N. Nirgudkar, a stalwart of the industry with over four decades of contributions, has been honoured with the prestigious Citation Award by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). The award was presented by Hans Hoffman, Past President of SMPTE and Deputy Director of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), at a ceremony in Pasadena, Los Angeles, celebrating Mr. Nirgudkar’s exceptional efforts in advancing global motion picture technology and promoting international standards for the Indian film industry.
A Pioneer in Indian Film Technology
Mr. Nirgudkar’s association with SMPTE began in 1993, when he became the first Indian to present a technical paper at the SMPTE Conference in Los Angeles. He later presented pioneering papers at SMPTE global conferences in New York (1999) and Los Angeles (2002), showcasing India’s cutting-edge technologies on the world stage.
Known for his innovations in green and sustainable film processing, Mr. Nirgudkar was also the first Indian to receive a U.S. Patent in film technology in 2002, a milestone that highlighted India’s growing influence in global cinematic science. His patented green technology, which replaced hazardous chemicals with sustainable alternatives, has since been adopted by film labs worldwide, including Hollywood.
A Career Bridging Indian Cinema and Global Standards
A chemical engineer from the University Department of Chemical Technology (now ICT), Mumbai, Mr. Nirgudkar began his career at Filmcenter Laboratory, Tardeo, in 1981. He continued as Technical Director when the lab transitioned into Filmlab, Goregaon, and later served as Chief Technical Advisor for the National Film Heritage Mission, a ₹600-crore government initiative for the restoration and preservation of India’s cinematic treasures.
Throughout his 44-year career, Mr. Nirgudkar has been a trailblazer. He became the first Indian SMPTE Fellow in 2007, incubated his patented technology at IIM Ahmedabad, and collaborated with the BBC on the restoration of archival 16mm footage. In 2010, he launched the SMPTE India Section, making global standards accessible to India’s film and television industry.
Bridging Indian Cinema and the Oscars
Mr. Nirgudkar’s influence extends to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He was the first Indian invited to its Production & Technology Branch in 2017, helped arrange the historic visit of Oscar Academy President John Bailey to India in 2019, and has been a lifetime member of the Academy Awards Jury since 2017.
He currently serves on the Academy's Science & Technology Council and its Executive Committee, further cementing India’s presence in global cinematic innovation.
A Humbling Recognition
Speaking about the award, Mr. Nirgudkar said, “Receiving the Citation Award from SMPTE is truly humbling. My journey with SMPTE began over three decades ago when I first presented a paper in Los Angeles. This recognition is not just mine; it belongs to the Indian film fraternity that continues to innovate, evolve, and inspire the world.”
With this accolade, Ujwal N. Nirgudkar joins an elite group of Indians recognised by SMPTE, solidifying his legacy as a global thought leader in motion picture technology. His lifelong work continues to bridge Indian innovation with international standards, leaving an indelible mark on the global evolution of cinematic science and sustainability.
About SMPTE
Established in 1916, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) is a global leader in promoting technical standards for the media and entertainment industry, with headquarters in New York and sections worldwide.
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