Benoy K. Behl

Benoy Krishen Behl (b. 10 September 1956, New Delhi) is an Indian documentary filmmaker, art historian and photographer celebrated for his work in documenting the art heritage of India and Asia, including more than 50,000 photographs of Asian monuments and 140 films. 

Initially known for his photography of ancient Buddhist paintings of India — Ajanta, Badami, Ellora, Bagh Caves, Lepakshi or Brahadeeshwara Temples…-, Benoy K. Behl established a reputation of thorough researcher and perceptive filmmaker starting from 1976 with his documentaries on Gandhi’s philosophy, Indian sculptures, Malaysian traditions, yoga, tribal dances of the North-East states, the transnational vitality of the Ramayana epic… Often sponsored by the the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, he extensively interviewed the Dalai Lama and exposed the Chinese encroachment on Tibetan culture. 

Behl has also held numerous lectures and exhibitions in nearly 200 universities, museums and cultural institutions around the world, from Hong Kong to Delhi to Washington D.C., with permanent exhibitions at Ryukoku University, Kyoto (Japan), Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai (China), or Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangoon (Myanmar).