Popular opinion does not have the same kind of impact on Ravi K Chandran as it has on the common man. The ace cinematographer, who has worked with most of the top stars in the country including Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, makes an effort to understand issues before forming an opinion and more importantly, commenting on them.
Tell him that many here believe that those from the south are a lot more disciplined than their counterparts from the north — a theory which gains credence from the fact that technicians from the south are more sought after than those from the other parts of the country — and the cinematographer simply dismisses it with a smile.
Ravi, who has just finished working with Shah Rukh Khan on My Name is Khan and is ready to begin work with Suriya on his next Tamil film, says, “Actually, I’d say we are all Indians and such a classification shouldn’t arise in the first place. But even if you do choose to opt for such a classification, you are likely to find a larger number of north Indians than south Indians in the list of top professionals in the country.”
Admits the cameraman, “When it comes to precision and planning, I think north Indians are better.” He justifies his viewpoint by citing examples from certain Hindi projects of his that have gone on to become hits. “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi was finished 40 days ahead of schedule,” he says and adds, “That’s because of some great planning. Moreover, the first AD concept doesn’t exist in Kollywood. The first AD takes care of all the arrangements and ensures that everything is in place, thereby allowing the director to focus only on the creative aspect rather than resolving issues at the shooting spot.”
If the man’s skill behind the lens has made him one of the most sought-after technicians in the country, his unassuming nature has endeared him to many including Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan, who recently launched Ravi’s website.
Says Ravi while commenting on Shah Rukh, “He is one of the most charming people I have ever met. I’ve worked with him in three films and I’ve found him to be a good friend, who shows genuine concern.”
He goes on to narrate an incident during the filming of My Name is Khan to substantiate his views about the star. “Shah Rukh is such a down-to-earth and caring person. Would you believe it if I said that he knows all the names of my assistants? In fact, he surprised one of my assistants, who has worked with him in two films, by wishing her on her birthday. What’s more, he surprised her with a cake and dress. I know that he took great care to choose the dress. He had, in fact, searched three shops, before deciding on an outfit.”
Ravi, who has just finished working with Shah Rukh Khan on My Name is Khan and is ready to begin work with Suriya on his next Tamil film, says, “Actually, I’d say we are all Indians and such a classification shouldn’t arise in the first place. But even if you do choose to opt for such a classification, you are likely to find a larger number of north Indians than south Indians in the list of top professionals in the country.”
Admits the cameraman, “When it comes to precision and planning, I think north Indians are better.” He justifies his viewpoint by citing examples from certain Hindi projects of his that have gone on to become hits. “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi was finished 40 days ahead of schedule,” he says and adds, “That’s because of some great planning. Moreover, the first AD concept doesn’t exist in Kollywood. The first AD takes care of all the arrangements and ensures that everything is in place, thereby allowing the director to focus only on the creative aspect rather than resolving issues at the shooting spot.”
If the man’s skill behind the lens has made him one of the most sought-after technicians in the country, his unassuming nature has endeared him to many including Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan, who recently launched Ravi’s website.
Says Ravi while commenting on Shah Rukh, “He is one of the most charming people I have ever met. I’ve worked with him in three films and I’ve found him to be a good friend, who shows genuine concern.”
He goes on to narrate an incident during the filming of My Name is Khan to substantiate his views about the star. “Shah Rukh is such a down-to-earth and caring person. Would you believe it if I said that he knows all the names of my assistants? In fact, he surprised one of my assistants, who has worked with him in two films, by wishing her on her birthday. What’s more, he surprised her with a cake and dress. I know that he took great care to choose the dress. He had, in fact, searched three shops, before deciding on an outfit.”
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