Digital Piano India
Sep/110
Interview with Award Winning Indian Cinematographer Rajeev Jain ICS by Jude Ibinge
Interview with Award Winning Indian Cinematographer Rajeev Jain ICS
by Jude Ibinge Jude Ibinge is co-editor of Senses of Cinema‘s Special Issue, film reviewer for The Melbourne Times and ABC Radio, 774 Melbourne, and a freelance writer on film.
Rajiv Jain is one of India’s leading cinematographers. He shot his first feature Army in 1996 and his subsequent list of feature film credits include Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, Badhaai Ho Badhaai, Kadachit, Meerabai Not Out, Aiyyo Paji, Rasstar, Kalpvriksh and most recently Carry on Pandu. The KFI-nominated cinematographer talks to Jude Ibinge about the long hours and many satisfactions of working behind the camera in his increasingly high profile career.
Jude Ibinge: You have said in an earlier interview that “from the time I left drama school I knew I wanted to work with cinema cameras”. How did this interest develop and how and where did you get your start in the film industry?
Rajiv Jain: I had always loved going to the movies; I find it is like entering a dream, being in that dark cinema and watching a story told in images on the big screen. I started in the film industry when I was 21. Late KK Mahajan, gave me a few contacts. I rang many times until one of them gave me a job as a runner on a feature film. Then I pestered people in the camera department and worked for nothing on a few documentaries and music videos. Then, as a clapper loader on some features followed by a focus puller. I was shooting TV commeJIials, short films and small docos and music videos with people such as late Mukul S Anand at the same time. Then, I shot my first feature film when I was 28, Army
JI: In reviews of films you have worked on, your cinematography is regularly singled out as a distinctive element, but the look of the films varies widely, from the pastel colours of the Mumbai setting in Chandrakant Kulkarni’s Carry on Pandu to the cool, blue tones of Manika Sharma’s Kalpvriksh – The Wish Tree. How much input do you have personally, when determining the overall look of the film, and is this very much dependent on the director you are working with?
RJ: I will spend a lot of time in pre-production with the director finding out how they see the story in visual terms, including the atmosphere and emotion each scene is trying to convey. Then, with the production designer, we will all look at references of different types, such as, films, photos, paintings and the locations themselves, to create a look that is right for that film. Some directors know before you start that process, exactly how they see it; for others, it is a process of finding out what the particular look is for that film.
JI: The landscape, whether urban/suburban or rural, seems to be a strong element in your cinematography and you seem to have a particular affinity with the sort of decaying, small town milieus featured in Kadachit. Are you consciously attracted to projects in which the landscape figures as a central element?
RJ: No, I am attracted to a project if I like the script and the director.
JI: Wanuri Kahiu’s Rasstar offered a different sort of challenge, given the film was predominantly shot in natural light. Can you describe your approach in working on that film?
RJ: It was a fantastic experience, and a big challenge. To shoot a film with natural light is harder than lighting because you have less control. Wanuri Kahiu has a very particular style and way of making a film that is based on natural performances and the environment that you are working in. The actors, she wants to feel, can be in a room for example that is the least bit cluttered with equipment, and each location is chosen for the atmosphere that already exists there. Location surveys therefore are very important, and if they don’t work for light they are rejected. She didn’t want the film to look grainy, gritty and ‘low rent’, so my job was to never have the negative too under or over exposed either.
JI: How do you think the new advances in digital technology will have an impact on feature filmmaking?
RJ: I work with digital post all the time now in commeJIials and find it fascinating. I think digital cameras and projection have a long way to go to be as good as 35mm film. At the moment they serve to make it cheaper for someone to make a film that they otherwise couldn’t afford, but the quality I don’t think is comparable. One day it will be, and then I’ll use it.
JI: You’ve said that the main influences on your work have been European cinematographers. Who in particular do you admire and what are some favourite films?
RJ: My favourite DP’s have been Robby Müller, Darius Khonji, Darius Wolsky and Stuart Dryburgh. My favourite films range from Apocalypse Now (Francis Ford Coppola, 1979), The Shining (Stanley Kubrick, 1980), My Life as a Dog (Lasse Hallström, 1985), Cinema Paradiso (Guiseppe Tornatore, 1988), The Piano (Jane Campion, 1993), The Women (George Cukor, 1939) and Amelie (Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 2001).
JI: Of all the films you have shot, which do you think represents your best work?
RJ: I think they are all different, but I suppose it would be Kalpvriksh because it was my biggest challenge.
JI: You have worked on TVCs, shorts, docos, non-features and features. Is there any genre/form that has particular appeal and how do you choose what projects to work on, i.e., what attracts you to a script?
RJ: I only shoot features and commeJIials now. I read a lot of scripts and will only shoot feature films if I enjoy the story and like the director, or find them interesting.
JI: You have worked with director Manika Sharma on a number of projects. Is that sort of continuity with directors important?
RJ: It makes it easier to be on a project with someone you have already worked with, but I also enjoy being with new people too, because you are always learning new approaches to filmmaking, and creative collaboration.
JI: You have two young daughters, has it been difficult juggling the demands of a career in the film industry?
RJ: I work pretty much every week, and long hours. I think the hardest thing is that all my spare time I try and spend with them so being able to have time on your own is rare.
JI: Indian cinematographers have an increasing international profile, with the likes of Ashok Mehta, Binod Pradhan and Santosh Sivan these days. Do you think Indian cinematographers have a particular approach, aesthetic or way of working that distinguishes them in an international context?
RJ: I think we are generally easy going and get along with people. We are also hard workers and have been trained on lower budgets generally, so you tend to know how to work fast.
JI: You recently completed work on your first Dubai feature, Rahman for Dubai production company. Can you tell us about that shoot? Other than the scale of the production, were there noticeable differences between working conditions in India and Dubai?
RJ: It was different because it was a much bigger budget than I have had on a movie so far. The crews work slightly differently and the pressure is more intense, mainly because there were five producers to answer to, instead of one.
JI: Are there many Indian cinematographers working on feature films in the UAE?
RJ: There are a handful, but hardly any on big studio films.
JI: What are you working on next?
RJ: Besides commeJIials, I am shooting Manika Sharma’s next film in India next year.
© Jude Ibinge, June 2010
About the Author
Jude Ibinge is co-editor of Senses of Cinema‘s Special Issue, film reviewer for The Melbourne Times and ABC Radio, 774 Melbourne, and a freelance writer on film.
Piano Lab Teaching Tips with India
|
|
Nespresso C100-US-AERO Essenza Automatic Single-Serve Espresso Machine with Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother Combination package of C100 Automatic Essenza and Aeroccino. Compact Brewing Unit with a 19 Bar pressure pump and thermobloc heating element. Automatic and programmable Coffee Quantity (Settings : 40 ml for espresso, 110 ml for lungo) with backlit on/off and coffee volume buttons. The Essenza also has a removable water tank (41-ounce.) and features easy insertion of capsules and ejection used of c… |
|
|
Yamaha DGX505-AD DGX505 88-key Electronic Piano Keyboard $899.95 Yamaha DGX505-AD DGX505 88-key Electronic Piano Keyboard – Includes AC Adapter, CD Software, Wood Stand, Sustain Pedal. Yamaha DGX505 is a piano-focused electronic keyboard with 88 piano-style keys, wooden stand and sustain pedal. Innovative features include notation display, USB for instant computer connectivity and a SmartMedia memory card slot for storing songs and styles (card optional). Featu… |
|
|
M-Audio Keystation 49e 49-Note USB MIDI Controller Keyboard $99.99 The Keystation 49e is the perfect USB MIDI controller keyboard for getting started with music on your Mac or PC. Class-compliancy with OS X and Windows XP mean true plug-and-play operationand the included Maximum Audio Tools software bundle is designed to get you playing immediately. Despite its simplicity, the Keystation 49e includes a 49-note full-size, velocity-sensitive keyboard for authentic … |
|
|
Apple Logic Studio [OLD VERSION] $499.00 Logic Studio, Apple’s comprehensive suite of professional music and audio tools, provides musicians with everything they need to create in the studio, on the stage, and for the screen. Logic Studio includes Logic Pro 8, Apple’s legendary professional music production application featuring a new, intuitive interface; MainStage, an innovative new application for music performance; and Soundtrack Pro… |
|
|
Elgar: Re-Discoverd works for violin, Vol. 2 $15.39 … |
|
|
Portable Flexible Silicone Keyboard $7.99 The blue flexible, full-sized silicone keyboard is spill-proof and foldable – perfect for travel. Easily cleaned with a damp cloth or disinfectant spray. Comes with PS/2 adapter attached for older computers – remove adapter to reveal USB plug. This silicone keyboard is fully compatible with Windows 98/2000/ME/XP/VISTA…. |
|
|
ASUS MS226H – 21.5-Inch Wide LCD Monitor $181.99 ASUS MS226H Designo Series LCD Monitor – A Visual Masterpiece Full HD and HDMI ready, the 22-inch MS226H LCD monitor showcases your entertainment in a 1080p resolution with rich colors and crystal clarity. Breath-taking images are now wrapped in a razor-thin silhouette. Only 16.5mm (0.65-inch) deep, MS series is the slimmest ASUS LCD monitor yet. The distinctively designed MS Designo Serie… |
|
|
Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder $609.99 Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder… |
|
|
Casio AD-5MR Keyboard AC Power Adapter $12.95 If you own a Casio keyboard, extend your battery life by using this optional AC adapter. Plug in while you’re at home or near an electrical outlet rather than wasting batteries. For use with all LK models, all CTK models (except the CTK-5000), the WK-110 and the WK-200. Works worldwide, on both 110V and 240V power grids. What’s in the Box Casio AD5MR Keyboard AC Power Adapter… |
|
|
Yamaha PA130MM 120 Volt Keyboard AC Power Adaptor $19.99 Yamaha PA130MM AC Adapter PA130 MM Camera Power Adapters… |
|
|
A PASSAGE TO INDIA – Book $8.99 A PASSAGE TO INDIA – Digital format, immediate delivery. |
|
|
Acoustic & Digital Piano Buyer $19.46 Acoustic & Digital Piano Buyer |
|
|
Chrome and Black Digital Piano Lamp $192 Chrome and Black Digital Piano Lamp |
|
|
Roland Digital Piano Stand White $299 Roland Digital Piano Stand White |
|
|
Roland Digital Piano Stand Black $299 Roland Digital Piano Stand Black |
|
|
Vogue India – Subscription $960 Everything you need to know about fashion, trends, beauty, people and lifestyle, Vogue India is your ultimate style guide. In these pages you’ll find the hottest, newest and latest from the world of fashion and beyond, both in India and from across the world, making it the must-have accessory for the modern, fashionable Indian woman. |
|
|
India Today – Subscription $1070.39 India Today is the leading news magazine and most widely read publication in India. The magazine’s leadership is unquestioned, so much so that India Today is what Indian journalism is judged by, for its integrity and ability to bring unbiased and incisive perspective to arguably the most dynamic, yet perplexing, region in the world. Breaking news and shaping opinion, it is now a household name and the flagship brand of India’s leading multidimensional media group. Additionally, the weekly brings with it a range supplements like Women, Home, Aspire, Spice and Simply which focus on style, health |
|
|
Car India – Subscription $325 CAR magazine, overwhelmingly acknowledged as the world’s best car magazine, has driven into India under the name of explosive and vibrant, as well as serious and sensuous, CAR India has been launched to satiate the discerning automobile enthusiast who knows his radiators from his air filters. CAR India is an authoritative automobile magazine, written for people with a burning passion for anything on four wheels. |
|
|
BIKE India – Subscription $325 BIKE India has fixed that urge with a truly adrenaline-pumping passion magazine that caters as much to the super-bike fanatic as to man-on-the-road commuter. Dedicated in its entirety to the country’s burgeoning biker community, the magazine is emerging as a biker’s bible, not just in India, but across Asia. BIKE India magazine is produced by die-hard motorcycle enthusiasts with over 25 years of hands-on experience, who strive to deliver unbiased and extensive reviews of latest two-wheelers produced across the globe. |
|
|
Yamaha P95 88 Key Digital Piano Silver $549.99 A digital piano with dynamic, |
|
|
Yamaha P95 88 Key Digital Piano Black $549.99 A digital piano with dynamic, |
|
|
India : The Emerging Giant – Book $8.95 India is not only the world’s largest and fiercely independent democracy, but also an emerging economic giant. But to date there has been no comprehensive account of India’s remarkable growth or the role policy has played in fueling this expansion. India: The Emerging Giant fills this gap, shedding light on one of the most successful experiments in economic development in modern history. Why did the early promise of the Indian economy not materialize and what led to its eventual turnaround? What policy initiatives have been undertaken in the last twenty years and how do they relate to the upw |
|
|
Child India – Subscription $399 Child is a monthly parenting magazine, catering to parents who have children in the 0-12-year age group. In India, CHILD is a part of the Media Transasia group. Internationally, it is aligned with the 81-year-old Parenthood group at the Meredith Corporation, USA. |
|
|
Mother & Baby India – Subscription $325 Mother & Baby India, specialises in everything baby-related. From stories of Indian mums and babies, product reviews , loads of local info, to global views. Mother & Baby India also draws from international top-sellers Mother & Baby UK and Pregnancy & Birth UK. It has become the leader in the Indian parenting genre since its launch in May 2008, respected and loved by parents, doctors and industry experts alike. |
|
|
Power Watch India – Subscription $325 More an industry player than a commentator on India’s power sector developments, Power Watch India is as much a launch pad for a new project, product or service, as it is a podium where issues confronting the sector may be addressed by the sector’s own. With dedicated sections on nuclear power, energy conservation, renewable energy and lots more, the magazine is a one-stop destination for the power professional. |
|
|
GQ India – Subscription $960 Look Sharp. Live Smart. Right now. Download the latest issue of GQ (India Edition) in full, featuring the best in Style, Cars, Gadgets, Babes and The Good Life. You’ll be able to enjoy all our in-depth articles and great photo shoots, instantly delivered in stunning high resolution. |
|
|
FHM India – Subscription $525 FHM (For Him Magazine) is the world’s leading men’s magazine brand, published in over 20 languages in 26 editions across 40 countries. Funny, zany and fashionably sexy, FHM continues to set new standards in the men’s magazine market globally. In poll after poll, men have gone on record saying that their life would never be the same without FHM! So, here it is. The same brand that has bowled over men all over and the one women would kill to be seen in is now also available in India. |
|
|
Lonely Planet’s India – Book $29.99 India doesn’t even have to try: it will bowl you out with its head-reeling mix of cultures, its fast-swelling cities, its still-visible history and its thousands of different landscapes. Get on a train – the quintessential Indian experience – and chug your way past apple blossom and snowy peaks, fort-scattered deserts, tropical beaches and eerie salt plains. |
|
|
Commercial Vehicle India – Subscription $325 From a low-profile, functionality-first aspect the Indian Commercial Vehicle industry has made startling progress to become the cynosure of many a global major’s eyes. However this success story has seldom received the attention it deserves. The path breaking Commercial Vehicle India attempts to set the record straight. Coverage is not restricted to trucks, buses, utility vehicles three-wheelers and tractors. We understand that readers also want to know about components, logistics, infrastructure and construction equipment. They will further find the road tests, interactions with key industry |
|
|
India Today Travel Plus – Subscription $802.8 Catering to the lifestyle section, Ittp is India’s No.1 travel magazine. It is a magazine which makes you go places! The travelogues tells you all you need to know about your travel destination. It covers everything from resorts, airlines, spas, shops, restaurants and much more. |
|
|
Conde Nast Traveller India – Subscription $480 Conde Nast Traveller is the world’s most iconic luxury travel magazine. It is the most independent and authoritative source of luxury travel and lifestyle. CNT India is created for the sophisticated Indian traveller who is looking for authentic travel experiences, discoveries and journeys. |
|
|
Digital LED Piano Lamp $250 LED digital piano lamp with 10 foot black cord and transformer. Shade swivels to direct light. |
|
|
Vogue India – October 2010 – Single Copy $100 Everything you need to know about fashion, trends, beauty, people and lifestyle, Vogue India is your ultimate style guide. In these pages you’ll find the hottest, newest and latest from the world of fashion and beyond, both in India and from across the world, making it the must-have accessory for the modern, fashionable Indian woman. |