Hrishikesh Gandhi, the Director of Photography (DOP) of Zee TV’s Qubool Hai, is a man who can capture anyone’s imagination. He creates magic with his camera and plays with light effectively to bring the effect of neutrality on screen. People expect perfection in his work and he is all ready to bring out something beyond perfection. In short, Hrishikesh is one who can stimulate the connection between his camera and the viewers.
Tellychakkar.com corners this effervescent DOP for a freewheeling chat for our Behind the Lens section.
Excerpts:
Tell us something about yourself?
I started my career assisting Barun Mukherjee, something which I consider to be a privilege for me. He is the best cameraman in Ad industry who has created around 1000 ads. I worked with him for six years and later shifted to the world of daily soaps. In all, I have been a DOP in as many as 35 shows. I have also done films like Baghban, Baabul amongst many others.
Why did you have to choose cinematography and not opt for any other profession?
I am passionate about photography and personally believe that camera talks. Camera itself speaks thousand words; it conveys an emotional bond among people. And the most important thing is that I cannot do anything other than photography.
How is cinematography different for the small and big screen?
The difference is only in the way of handling the camera. For TV you get the same amount of time as in films but the important thing is the utilization of it. Daily shows require to be worked on for 365 days, while for films it is different. Daily soaps are where you tend to grow every single day. In a daily soap, one’s camera needs to work according to episodes hence it’s a kind of a challenge for a photographer.
So, when you work, what basic techniques do you use?
Firstly, I read the entire script and plan with the pre-production. Then, I decide the amount of time required for the shoot and with the help of team work decide upon the shoot to be done on a daily basis because the presence of every single person counts while shooting.
Among the shows you have done, which one do you think has been the best?
I have done numerous daily soaps and it is really very difficult to name one from them. But, for me, Geet created a mark of success in my career. Some of the shows which add to my success party are Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Do, Qurban, Lakeer, Pratibha, Desh Mein Nikala Hoga Chand, Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha and Henna and the list goes on.
Which light do you prefer the most: natural or artificial?
Well, all depends on the scene and where it is being shot, indoors or outdoors. For daily soaps artificial lights are the most frequently utilized ones but, for natural it is something you don’t require any light; just a camera with which you should know how to play with light.
According to you, which actor looks best in front of the camera?
Every actor is beautiful and they are a challenge in themselves for me. A task for any photographer is how to shoot every single character along with the message to be conveyed. For me, as a DOP, every shoot is possible only with a team work. Drashti Dhami looks beautiful on camera and she is the one I like shooting with my camera. For me, she is a photographer’s delight. Even Sanaya Irani has a very good photogenic face.
Your advice to aspiring cinematographers?
Work very hard, try and utilize every single minute because cinematography and time goes hand in hand. Be passionate about what you prefer doing because you should know the art of playing with the camera. This comes with an effective learning sense.
How according to you has the industry changed in terms of technical aspects?
The usage of lights has changed drastically. Everything in today’s photography needs upgradation. Quality of telecast, frame and the way of storytelling have also changed drastically. Today, everything is done in HD vision which requires minute monitoring.
What are your future plans?
I am going to do one feature film soon; hope it comes up effectively. But, you will have to wait for the final announcement
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