Franco Zeffirelli is a celebrated Italian director and producer. Born out of wedlock in early 1920s, initially he was placed with a peasant family, but later his mother took him home. Unfortunately, she died by the time he was six. Thereafter, he was placed with a paternal aunt and grew up under the patronage of some British ladies; who had great influence on his young mind. He first grew interested in theatre while in school; but made up his mind to seek a career in entertainment only after watching Laurence Olivier's ‘Henry V’ at the age of twenty-two. Today he is known as much for his classic films as for his grand scale operas. In fact, all through his working life, he has shuttled between film and opera, making his mark in each field with equal dexterity. He is especially known for his film adaption of Shakespearean plays like ‘Romeo Juliet’, ‘Taming the Shrew’ and Othello’. His popular opera productions include ‘La bohème’, ‘Tosca’, ‘Turandot’ and ‘Don Giovanni’. His penchant for thorough research and authentic details has set him apart from his contemporaries. In later years, he entered politics and was a member of Italian Senate from 1994 to 2001.