ACE PHOTOGRAPHER AND DIRECTOR - RAJIV MENON

One of the best ad-film makers and cinematographers in the country, he is loaded with 'attitude' and knows exactly who he is and what his work is worth. We are talking 'Big Time' ladies and gentlemen. Rajiv Menon, in a te`te a te`te over lunch.

Education ?

I passed out of IIT Central in 1981. Joined the Film Institute and passed out in 1984. Did a course in Steadicam in the US. Came back.

Career ?

I joined Prasad Videos on my return and used to accompany the Stedicam on various shoots. I slowly got into ad-photography, moved on to Industrial Photography and then started doing small TVcommercials. I got national recognition with a commercial for Asian Paints. Did a few big ads for Titan. Mani Ratnam spotted me during one of the shoots. Called me to do the camera work for one of his films. I moved on, did Minsara Kanavu and here I am after Kandukondein Kandukondein.

Family Background ?

My father is from Malabar. He was a naval officer. My mother is from Ernakulam and she is a Carnatic Musician. I am from Chennai and my wife helps me with the business. I have two daughters, Saraswati and Laxmi, one, 5, the other 2 ½.

I don't see myself anywhere. Its very difficult to have an objective view about oneself. Its better that you ask someone else that question.

On Cinematography today?

We have made great strides in the last 5 or 10 years. Today South Indian Cinema is very well known for its Cinematography. You have most of the top Cinematographers like Ravi Lal, Santosh Sivan, Ravi K. Chandran, all from the South. We're having a very good innings right now, but have to get better.

It was no new experience. I had already done many ads as a director. I had already worked with Girish Karnad, Shyam Benegal, Mani Ratnam and the like and it was really no surprise for me on the first day of shooting.

It helps you to keep the shooting problems in mind. It also helps you to think visually. Direction and Cinematography are related. The only difference between here and the west is that, there, the Cinematographer decides the shots while here the Director does the same job. I understand the cameraman better - my single greatest plus.

On Direction today?

Direction has also grown tremendously. Tamil Cinema has gained national recognition. Tamil Cinema was once seen as some useless films with loud melodrama and fat women. Then we took it national through Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rehman. And now with Prabhu Deva and the like we are respected as technicians and professionals.

I can't do two things at the same time. There are people who can do two things at the same time. I am incapable of doing two hings. I can't listen to music and study. It is also my desire to be a better Director where I choose to ignore my talents in Cinematography.

We are not even close to international standards.

No, I've worked on it for the last 15 years. When I see a script I can crack it. Others may struggle. I can tell you what will hold and what may not and how to focus on the key shots and things like that. This is something that comes by practice.

Chennai Central Railway station.

Hobbies ?

Music, Reading, Walking, Running, and Swimming.

I start singing. I generally let go. I don't hold it up. My assistants have enough of it.

Its difficult. I'd love to have 36 hours a day - spend 24 hours shooting and a few hours with my children. I believe that family life is very important. Once you have children you have got to spend a lot of time on their growth and all that. I have learnt a lot from my mother and would like to do the same for my children.

Fitness levels ?

I exercise a lot. 1 hour of exercise every morning is compulsory for me.

Carnatic Music.

Watching Cricket on TV when India is playing and winning and not having to shoot on the next day.

Wouldn't mind being Ameer Khan the Hindustani Musician, who died 15 years ago. The Greatest.

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