Member Of EICA, Specialization On Cinematography From ROOPKALA KENDRO (A Film & Social Communication Institute. Information & Cultural Affairs Department, Govt. of West Bengal).
14 years experience Film & Television Industry.

As a child what were your early influences towards cinema?
When I was little, the lights at home would sometimes turn off at night. Then I would create many different shadows on the wall with the light of the hurricane lantern. It seemed amazing to me.That’s where the attraction to light and shadow came from. At that time, Doordarshan used to screen many movies for children. Among them, my favorite were “Lal Komol Neel Komol” and “Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne “. That was my early influence on cinema.

How did you first become interested in cinematography? Did you start with photography?
I developed an interest in photography when I was in college. One of my sirs gave me a Minolta camera. I started taking pictures with that camera.At that time, I did still photography for 3 years. While doing this still photography, my interest in cinematography started to grow.
Yes, I started with photography.

What steps did you take to train yourself?
After graduation When I decided to specialize in filmmaking and cinematography, I started preparing for the entrance exam at the “Roopkala Kendro” ( A Film & Social Communication Institute. Information & Cultural Affairs Department, Govt. of West Bengal). At that time, the HOD of the camera department was the renowned cinematographer Shri Soumendu Ray. I really wanted to learn cinematography from him. I passed the entrance exam and the orientation interview. My film institute journey began from that time.

Have you assisted anyone? How does it help one?
Yes, I assisted some seniors during their studies at the institute. I shot my first feature film the year (2015) when I passed out from film Institute.It happened in the same year.Then I started working independently as a cinematographer.

How did your first film project come about?
My first feature film is called “Sakshi”. It is a Bengali language film. Directed by Shouvik Sarkar. I shot this film after I passed out from the film Institute, 2015. The line producer of this film first contacted me through social media. He had seen some of my work. Then he contacted me.This was a great opportunity for me.

What is perhaps the most important factor for you to choose a script?
When I get a script, I look at the story first, because I think the story is the most important.Then I read the script many times. Then, if I feel any problem with the script or the story, I discuss it with the director. I try to understand his/ her thoughts. Because I think it’s very important to understand the director’s thoughts.If I understand that properly, I can capture my thoughts through the lenses.

Is cinematography intuitive or is it something you learn?
First of all, cinematography is a visual art. To work with any art & craft medium, you have to learn it.You have to know his grammar.Cinematography is a big part of filmmaking. It is basically a technical craft. Lights and lenses are the two main things in it.There are also many types of accessories that are used in cinematography.Everything must be learned and known.
With practice and work, cinematography becomes intuitive. Cinematography is a combination of technicalities and imagination.

Tell us something about your latest film.
I have recently shot a Bengali film. The name is “Ghasful”. Based on the story of the famous poet Joy Goswami. Script & Directed by Saibal Mitra. This is basically the story of a poet. A poet’s feelings, social responsibility, and political views are some of the main parts of the film. It is a great achievement for me as a cinematographer to work with renowned director Saibal Mitra. Renowned actor Debshankar Halder plays the lead role in this film. Many famous actors also acted in this film.

Where do you seek inspiration from?
I seek inspiration first from the story of the film, then from the director. The good understanding between the director and the cinematographer inspires me a lot.
Then the visuals of the film, the camera movement, the storytelling process, the reference soundscape, these inspire me.

What’s your dream project?
A film that tells the story of general people and addresses a global crisis would be a dream project for me.

Your most memorable blunder?
I remember an incident from many years ago when I was shooting an advertisement. The track was kept, trolley and the camera was placed on it. Camera mounted on a tripod. I sat on the trolley to see if there was any jerk on the track. But suddenly the trolley moved.
I was looking the other side. Before I knew it, I lost my balance and was falling with the camera and tripod. Suddenly, someone grabbed me.That time I survived a major accident. This is a memorable blunder at the beginning of the work.

Any advice to the inspiring cinematographers?
First of all, you have to learn and know your craft well. You have to love your work. You have to be patient for good work.
You need to increase your own creativity instead of relying entirely on technology.

What book, music, movie are you enjoying right now?
I am now enjoying Short stories books & Bengali poetry books. Listening Classical instrumental music and watching old Indian Parallel cinema.