“Life took me through some tough times before showing me my true calling. In fact, prior to my transformation into a cinematographer, I did not have the slightest clue about a DOP or even a DSLR camera for that matter. Seeing a friend click pictures on his phone was my source of inspiration. It got me extremely curious and I stocked up my savings to buy a second-hand phone and try my hand at mobile photography.

For my education, I wanted to enrol in Visual communication at a premium institution but unfortunately, couldn’t afford either. Lack of means meant I had to settle for a less expensive course at a secondary level college, even though it demanded a 45-kilometre travel by motorcycle every single day.

Nevertheless, my adoration for the creative departments didn’t seem to cease, so much so, that I’d sneak in and listen to their lectures. Therefore as expected, I did accumulate multiple backlogs, but the real confusion started afterwards, in choosing the career path I wanted to pursue. Here’s where I believe the universe gave me a sign. And as superstitious as it may sound, my Haj pilgrimage thoroughly nailed in the required clarity to go follow my passion.

Now in terms of skill, it’s always been a friend or an acquaintance who has aided me to learn and earn. In fact, my first salary was just Rs. 1500 for a small shoot. But working on that project taught me enough to bag other independent projects, eventually helping me get my first break in Kollywood too. A slow yet steady climb indeed, but there was constant scope for growth and up-gradation of the required skills.

Even in films, it wasn’t about the pay. I loved the little role I was assigned and wanted to complete it to perfection. And honestly, upon retracing my steps, I’ve realized that every time I gave my best at work, it’s rewarded me back tenfold. Besides that, my job has also provided me the opportunity to travel to stunning locations and capture it’s beauty permanently. Seems like those difficult bike rides to college were worth it after all!”