How did you pick up the subject of Tahaan, the journey of a boy who goes to find his donkey?
I thought of making Tahaan after reading a report in a newspaper but decided to present it like a fable with a moral, and a lot of surprises.
How was it working with a child actor as a hero?
Wonderful! I discovered secret to get the best from a child is to let him have his own way!
What’s the USP of the film?
It’s a fable made interesting, and its innocence will appeal to audiences. Also Kashmir, where the film is shot has a universal appeal.
How do you pick up subjects for your films?
When I read something gripping , when I meet interesting people, newspapers and fables.
What is one Bollywood stereotype you deal with?
Tussling with dates! Unlike down South where stars give us block dates here we get a few days at a time.
Which is one film you would have liked to direct?
It is called 300! I was mesmerized by the comic style where the blue screen technology was used to capture the comic book feel!
Which film’s cinematography has impressed you the most ?
Satyajit Ray’s Bengali film Charulata. Shot by Subrata Mitra, the images captured are timeless!
Cinematography or direction?
Both! I really can’t differentiate as there is a very blurred line between the two.
As a cinematographer what do you look for in an actor?
Actors who speak with their eyes are a cinematographer’s delight!
Who makes a good cinematographer?
A person who knows how to sketch! Sketching sharpens a person’s observing skill and he develops an eye for detail and aesthetics!
What next?
I’m working on a fantasy film with special effects. It is scheduled to go on the floors in December.