Santosh Sivan Biography: Wife, Height, Ethnicity, Religion, Age, Net Worth, Movies, Awards
Santosh Sivan ISC, professionally known as Santosh Sivan, is an Indian cinematographer, film director, producer, and actor.
Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest cinematographers, he has worked across Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and international cinema.
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His celebrated works include Roja, Thalapathi, Dil Se.., Asoka, Urumi, Raavan, Thuppakki, and Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. He is also the recipient of the Padma Shri and numerous National Film Awards for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
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| Name: | Santosh Sivan |
| Born: | February 8, 1964 (age 62 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
| Nationality: | Indian |
| Ethnicity: | Malayali (Indian) |
| Height: | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Religion: | Hinduism |
| Parents: | Sivan (Sivasankaran Nair) and Chandramani |
| Siblings: | Sangeeth Sivan, Sanjeev Sivan |
| Spouse: | Deepa |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | Sarvajith Sivan |
| Occupation: | Cinematographer, Film Director, Producer, Actor |
| Net Worth: | $10 million USD |
Early Life and Education
Santosh Sivan was born on February 8, 1964, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, to legendary cinematographer Sivan (Sivasankaran Nair) and Chandramani.
Growing up in a family deeply connected to filmmaking, he developed an early fascination with cameras and visual storytelling.
His ethnicity is Malayali, and he practices Hinduism. He was raised alongside his brothers, Sangeeth Sivan and Sanjeev Sivan, both of whom later became successful filmmakers.
Santosh attended Loyola School, Mar Ivanios College, and graduated in cinematography from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where he refined the skills that would shape his celebrated career.
Career
Santosh Sivan began his professional career as a cinematographer in the mid-1980s and quickly became known for his innovative visual style.
His breakthrough came through acclaimed films such as Thalapathi, Roja, Thevar Magan, Iruvar, Dil Se.., Pukar, Raavan, Thuppakki, Anjaan, and Chekka Chivantha Vaanam.
His groundbreaking cinematography earned him widespread recognition both in India and internationally, making him the first cinematographer from the Asia-Pacific region to become a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).
Alongside cinematography, Santosh established himself as a successful director with films including The Terrorist, Halo, Asoka, Anandabhadram, Tahaan, Urumi, Inam, and Jack N Jill.
His directorial debut, The Terrorist, received international acclaim and was praised by filmmaker John Milius and actor-director John Malkovich.
Throughout his distinguished career, Santosh Sivan has worked on more than 55 feature films and dozens of documentaries, earning a reputation as one of the most influential cinematographers in Indian cinema.
Awards and Nominations
- Padma Shri (2014)
- 12 National Film Awards
- 6 Filmfare Awards
- 4 Kerala State Film Awards
- 3 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
- Pierre Angénieux ExcelLens Award for Cinematography
- First cinematographer from the Asia-Pacific region inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC)
Personal Life
Santosh Sivan, 62 years old, married Deepa in 1993. The couple have a child together, Sarvajith Santosh Sivan. Outside filmmaking, Santosh enjoys photography, travelling, mentoring young filmmakers, and experimenting with new cinematography techniques.
He stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) and continues to contribute to Indian and international cinema through directing, cinematography, and producing.

Net Worth
Santosh Sivan has an estimated net worth of $10 million USD. His wealth comes primarily from his long and successful career as a cinematographer, film director, producer, and actor.
Additional income is generated through documentaries, international film projects, production ventures, public appearances, and creative collaborations.
Social Media
- Facebook: Santosh Sivan Official
Filmography
As Cinematographer (Selected)
- Nidhiyude Katha (1986)
- Thalapathi (1991)
- Roja (1992)
- Thevar Magan (1992)
- Iruvar (1997)
- Dil Se.. (1998)
- Pukar (2000)
- Asoka (2001)
- Bride & Prejudice (2004)
- Raavan (2010)
- Urumi (2011)
- Thuppakki (2012)
- Anjaan (2014)
- SPYder (2017)
- Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018)
- Darbar (2020)
- Barroz (2024)
As Director
- Halo (1996)
- The Terrorist (1998)
- Asoka (2001)
- Anandabhadram (2005)
- Tahaan (2008)
- Urumi (2011)
- Inam (2014)
- Jack N Jill (2022)
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