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1. Tell us about your background and journey.
It was always the media industry that I wanted to be a part of, but in what capacity, that I was kind of unsure of. I finally zeroed in on cinematography after college. We had basic light setup and learnt the fundamentals of cinematography in college, that is when is I realised that this is something I really loved doing and would love to do forever. Hence SRFTI and hence I do what I do.
My family has always been super supportive of my decisions. My parents are both award winning art photographers. So I always had the ambience of images at home while growing up. My father just asked if I'm sure because its a physically demanding job. I said I'm sure and that was that. My parents were into art photography, and due to their work, I was exposed to the process of capturing real-life moments into beautiful pieces of art. It was pure magic when the images would pop up every time my baba put a white paper inside the developer in a dark room. While growing up, I was never interested in studies, and from the very beginning I knew I was not cut out for a corporate job.
2. How and when did you realize your passion for creating films?
I knew from my very childhood that doing a 9 to 6 job was not my cup of tea. I was cut out for something on the lesser trodden path, something creative.
My parents were ad photographers, so, perhaps creativity was inbred in me. I had the exposure to an alternate household environment which encouraged and nourished passion. In plus two, my subjects were far from core science or commerce. I studied commercial arts, fashion technology etc. After that, I joined St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata to pursue Mass Communication and Video Production. That’s when I discovered my flair in videography. I realised that working behind the camera is something I can do for the rest of my life. Then I got enrolled into Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) and decided to master the craft thoroughly. Gradually, things proceeded on their own.
3. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful cinematographer?
Technical know-how, practicality, aesthetical understanding, understanding production logistics, team player, understanding psychology of the director, fast thinker and problem solver.
4. Which film(s) do you appreciate the most for their cinematography?
Very difficult to select. Hundreds.
5. What has been your biggest learning from your job?
That a DOP needs to be elemental. Elemental like water.
6. Which is your favorite book and why?
Again a difficult one to choose. I'm a voracious reader. I don't have a single favourite book.
- Modhura Palit (Cinematographer)
Interview By - Abhirup Dey
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