I
have been with Prajakt for more than 3 weeks and knew many things behind his
debut project LASTBENCHERS movie, where he is Actor, Director, Writer, Lyricist
and Editor. I have met most of his team mates, colleagues & friends but
meeting his younger bro Sanket is noted as remarkable in my mind. He is funny,
smart, entertaining, and witty and of course dedicated to his work. He is anything
but nothing as 19 year old kid. I and Prajakt were talking about digital
filmmaking when door bell ranged. Kanha opened door, greeted Sanket. He came to
gallery and Pj introduced us.
“Sanket
sir this is Aadesh sir, writer, blogger and my new flat mate. Aadesh this is
Sanket sir my younger bro and D.O.P of our movie, LASTBENCHERS”.
“Hi!
India youngest cinematographer” I moved my hand toward Sanket.
He
casually replied with hello. It was obvious from his expression that he paid no
attention to the so called compliment.
“Sir,
our Ganeshpeth office’s employees are asking for permission to shoot short film
with our cameras” Sanket informed Pj seating next to him. He too has Mac Book Pro.
I was amused by the way both brothers were addressing each other as Sir and
showing mutual respect. It was awkward for me as me & my bro share normal
hate-you-since-birth chemistry. Just then Pj got call from his gf, so he went
to his room. I was left with Sanket.
“Are
you really 19?” I asked looking at Sanket.
“I
am not a girl to lie about age. BTW why you are asking this?” Sanket replied.
“Just
curiosity. You don’t look 19.”
“I
know but can’t help it. I must thank to my parents for their genes” Sanket has
no awkwardness in reply.
“So
you became D.O.P for any particular reason or same as Pj, to save money, to
challenge yourself, to shut your critics & to make unconventional films?” I
was back with questions.
“I
am here for all wrong reasons like money, glamour, freedom from academics etc”
he laughed.
“Wow!!
Does anybody have any good reason to be in this industry?” I inquired.
“Our
dad, he has all good reasons. Being youngest in family I had too many
restrictions on me that made me feel caged. I was always short on money, so had
12-13 gfs who take care of my expenses for most period of month” Sanket replied
promptly.
“12-13!!!
Are you sure? I mean look at you” I laughed.
“I
had very good management skills then. I had properly divided section to
different girls.”
“MBA
in girl management. Good concept.” We both laughed.
“Since
the time I had dedicated myself to Cinematography I had no new contact forget
the whole management, lost it long ago” Sanket continues “when Pj told me about
his movie project I hardly had any interest but it appeared as good idea to
have more money & freedom”.
“So
how was working with Pj changed your views because I don’t think you are doing
it now for all same reasons.”
“First
time when I hold 7D cam I went out of world. I had never imagined it to be like
that. Pj had made few things clear at very beginning that I need to study all
about Cinematography or I can leave. I felt been mocked by him. I decided to go
with it. We fixed our study time & training time” Sanket filled me with new
info.
“Let
me guess. It must be 11-4 am. Pj is very comfortable working late night” I
smiled. He nodded.
“I
was addicted to camera. I had never thought it was such an amazing thing. It
was more like I found my first love, the beast that catches beauty. But after
some time Pj restricted use of cam & asked us to study on ourself and tell
him something which we had read & then only I could get to touch cam. That
was the time I poured myself into all books, tutorials & videos. I realized
it then that Camera has become my passion” Sanket’s eyes were shining.
“Then
BEST LANGUAGE happen, isn’t it?” I was eager to know from him.
“Yes.
Best Language changes many things, it gave me confidence & attitude I
needed. But there were regular challenges that keep me stretching my limits. I
remember one such incident where we had bought Steadicam from Mumbai but none
of us could use it. It will shoot using shoulder rig or tripod or monopod but
not Steadicam. Then one day Pj challenged me in front all team mates that if I
cant handle Steadicam so I shouldn’t call myself Cinematographer. I was pissed
off by his comment. I took challenge and asked for reward. He said Rs1000/-.
After 24 hours I showed him video which I shot with Steadicam. I had won the
bet” Sanket proud moment was shining in smile.
“So
challenges and money are your motivation?” I asked feeling bit confuse.
“No,
not just challenges and money. Zero was my motivation. Same zero that I got in
Accounts subject of junior college. I had decided it then that if not
academically I will prove my worth creatively. I took oath to be best in
whatever I will do in future. Zero made me hero” Sanket told me something I
didn’t knew.
“I
am feeling good that kid of your age thinks like that” I said.
“Realizing
what you want to do, enjoying what you do, & putting ass wrecking efforts
to be best in whatever you do is important than anything else. This follow your
heart & passion are all filmy stories” Sanket finishes as Pj entered.
“Good
thought Chotey. Where you read this” Pj asked Sanket.
“Learnt
on my own” was his sharp reply.
Later
I came to know he is also debuting in movie LASTBENCHERS as 3rd lead
as a very funny & entertaining character named Sanket.
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