Ayub Zulquader Khan is an Indian filmmaker, writer, director, producer, distributor, film festival founder, and creative industry professional with more than four decades of experience in Indian cinema, television, theatre, and film distribution.
Experience in Indian cinema, television, theatre, and film distribution.
Born in Allahabad, India, Ayub Zulquader Khan completed his higher education in 1980 and moved to Mumbai to pursue his passion for cinema. He initially settled in Bhiwandi (Thane District), where he worked as a cinema exhibitor and successfully managed Payal and Jhankar Cinema theatres for six years. During this time, he regularly traveled to Mumbai to perform in stage plays and maintained his artistic and physical discipline through theatre and fitness training.
In 1988, he permanently relocated to Mumbai and began his professional journey in films and theatre. He worked as an Assistant Director and Actor in the film Apradhinee under Director Vinod Sharma and also handled its film distribution in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Notably, actress Ranjita played a double role in Apradhinee.
He worked for five years with legendary filmmaker and lyricist Gulzar, including as an Assistant Director and actor on the iconic television series Mirza Ghalib. He later collaborated with Director Swaroop Kumar on films Andha Inteqaam and Zameer Ki Awaaz as Chief Assistant Director and worked with Directors Tony Singh and Diya Singh on Zee TV television projects.
Ayub Zulquader Khan served as Production Designer for the film Jahan Tum Le Chalo, starring Nirmal Pandey, Sonali Kulkarni, and Nirupa Roy, where actor Jimmy Shergill received his major breakthrough as a hero. The film was directed by Desh Deepak, with music by Vishal Bhardwaj and lyrics by Gulzar, featuring legendary singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Hariharan, Suresh Wadkar, Gary Lawyer, and Rekha Bhardwaj (her debut). Gulzar also wrote his first English song for this film.
He wrote and co-produced the film Be-Lagaam – The Lawless and later co-produced the film “Anjaane – The Unknown”, starring Sanjay Kapoor, Manisha Koirala, Tejaswini Kolhapure, Ranjita, and Pramod Muthu, with music composed by Himesh Reshammiya and lyrics by Sameer Anjaan.
He founded E4U Enterprises, a film distribution company through which he released multiple films worldwide, including Dare You, Murder Madhuri, Yeh Toh Too Much Ho Gaya, and Mussa: The Most Wanted. He also served as Creative Director for Murder Madhuri and Mussa: The Most Wanted and worked as an Assistant Director on the television serial Kissa Shanti Ka, produced by Vikas Mohan.
Ayub Zulquader Khan wrote, directed, and developed the film Family First, produced by Rassaz Studioz, which received 28 international awards, establishing his reputation as a filmmaker and storyteller.
In 2017, he launched Miss Glamourfaces World India, the Indian chapter of the Germany-based international beauty pageant Miss Glamourfaces World. The Indian titleholder won the Best Costume Award at the international finale and later established herself as a model in the United States.
Currently, he is the Founder and Organizer of CineDreams International Film Festival (Mumbai) and Lucknow International Film Festival, held at PVR Cinemas in Mumbai and Lucknow. He is also developing the feature film “Subh Sangam” under the banner of CineDream Films as Writer, Producer, and Director, with filming planned in Allahabad and Lucknow.
With extensive experience in filmmaking, production, distribution, television, theatre, and international film festivals, Ayub Zulquader Khan continues to promote cinema, talent, and global film culture.