By Dana Datu, Deputy News Editor
Since first graduating as a Drama and English graduate, Majumdar has built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades.
This includes having won a BAFTA award for his work on the Channel 4 drama I Am Ruth (2022) starring Kate Winslet, and an International Emmy for David Hasselhoff mockumentary Hoff the Record (2015-2016).
Between 2020 and 2023, Majumdar also served as Chair of BAFTA, making him the youngest Chair in 35 years and the first person of colour to hold the role.
Majumdar, now living in London with his family, reflects warmly on his time in Bristol. He remarked that he balanced his studies with acting, directing, and working in the middle of Bristol's trip hop era, making it ‘one of the coolest cities in the country.’
After graduating in 1997, Majumdar completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism at Cardiff University on a scholarship, before becoming the first and only person to complete both the ITN News and BBC Production trainee schemes.
He then co-founded the independent production company Me+You Productions with Richard Yee. His credits throughout the years range from award-winning documentaries, comedies and dramas, showcasing his essential role as a ‘storyteller’, as he remarks how grateful he is to ‘help tell stories that connect with audiences across the world.’
Alongside his creative work, Majumdar championed initiatives to develop emerging talent and tackle inequality across the industry, playing multiple leading roles at BAFTA for 17 years.
Ahead of receiving his honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt), he remarks how ‘it's a real honour, especially coming from Bristol, which is such a great university.’
Majumdar states that he is accepting this award on behalf of his family, including his father who immigrated from India by boat and became a doctor, the Bengali community, and the ‘generation of immigrants who made sacrifices so we could have these opportunities.’
As he graduates from Bristol for a second time, Majumdar shares advice for aspiring graduates aiming to break into the creative industry:
‘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.’
Arthur Clinton
Brontë Harris
Professor Esther Dermott, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, Law, and Social Sciences, referenced how Majumdar’s career is ‘a powerful example of what can be achieved through creativity, determination and a commitment to telling stories that matter.’
Honorary Doctor Krishnendu Majumdar now joins a distinguished group of figures from film, television, and the creative arts to receive honorary degrees from the University of Bristol, such as recent broadcaster and filmmaker Professor David Olusoga OBE.
Featured Image: University of Bristol
