Majumdar joins a distinguished group of figures from film, television and the creative arts to have received honorary degrees from the University of Bristol in recent years, including film producers Graham Broadbent and Peter Czernin, stage designer Es Devlin CBE, former BBC executive Charlotte Moore OBE, novelist and screenwriter David Nicholls, and historian, broadcaster and filmmaker Professor David Olusoga OBE.
A Bristol Drama and English graduate, Majumdar has built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. He won a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for the acclaimed Channel 4 drama I Am Ruth by Dominic Savage, starring Kate Winslet, and an International Emmy for the David Hasselhoff mockumentary Hoff the Record.
Between 2020 and 2023, Majumdar served as Chair of BAFTA, becoming both the youngest person in 35 years and the first person of colour to hold the role. He had previously been appointed Deputy Chair in 2019.
Ahead of receiving his honorary degree, Majumdar reflected on the role the University of Bristol played in shaping his career and creative ambitions.
He said: “It’s a real honour, especially coming from Bristol, which is such a great university. What’s important to me is that this recognition isn’t just about me – I’m accepting it on behalf of my family and the community.”
Reflecting on his background, he added: "My father came to Britain by boat from India in the 1960s, became a doctor, and worked incredibly hard to support our family. I owe a lot to the Bengali community and that generation of immigrants who made sacrifices so we could have these opportunities.”
“I’ve worked with some incredible people over the last 30 years and feel very fortunate. Essentially, I’m a storyteller, and I’ve been lucky enough to help tell stories that connect with audiences around the world.”
Majumdar, who now lives in London with his wife and young family, also reflected warmly on his time in Bristol between 1994 and 1997, where he balanced his studies, acting and directing in plays, with part-time work as a waiter.
He said: “Because I was working as well as studying, I felt connected to Bristol beyond the University. I have incredibly fond memories of my time there.”
Recalling the cultural energy of the city in the mid-1990s, he added: “It was an extraordinary time to be there. With the rise of Bristol trip hop, it felt like one of the coolest cities in the country. But more than anything, I just loved the city and the people.”
A recent visit brought those memories flooding back. He said: “I put on some Bristol trip hop on my phone and it all came back – the sound, the atmosphere, the feeling. It reminded me just how special that time was.”
After graduating in 1997, Majumdar went on to study a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism at Cardiff University on a scholarship. He later became the first and only person to complete both the prestigious fast track ITN News Trainee and BBC Production Trainee schemes.
He co-founded the independent production company Me+You Productions with Richard Yee in 2012. His credits span documentary, comedy, and drama, including co-creating and directing the BAFTA nominated global hit An Idiot Abroad, starring Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington; co-creating and producing the International Emmy-winning Hoff the Record; and producing the critically acclaimed I Am Ruth by Dominic Savage, which won Best Single Drama and Best Actress at the BAFTA Awards.
Alongside his creative work, Majumdar played a leading role at BAFTA for 17 years. He served as Chair of the Learning and New Talent Committee, Chair of the Television Committee, and as a trustee for twelve years, championing initiatives to develop emerging talent and tackle inequality across the industry. He has just been appointed the Chair of the Bush Theatre in London.
As he prepares to graduate from Bristol for a second time, he shared advice for students aspiring to careers in the creative arts.
He said: “Experience as much as possible – it will shape what you’re trying to say. If you are interested in film or television, watch everything you can, good and bad.”
“When people tell me they like a programme, I ask them why. What makes it compelling? Why are you emotionally invested? Understanding that is part of becoming a better storyteller.
“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.”
Professor Esther Dermott, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Bristol, said: “On behalf of the University of Bristol, we are delighted to award Krishnendu Majumdar an honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of his exceptional contribution to film and television, and his commitment to widening access and opportunity within the creative industries.
“Throughout an outstanding career, he has combined creative excellence with inspirational leadership, championing diverse voices and supporting the next generation of talent. As a Bristol graduate whose work has achieved international acclaim, he is a powerful example of what can be achieved through creativity, determination and a commitment to telling stories that matter.
“We are proud to welcome Krishnendu back to Bristol and to celebrate his achievements as part of our summer graduation ceremonies.”
Krishnendu Majumdar received his honorary degree during the University of Bristol’s summer graduation ceremonies on Thursday 16 July.