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 While
life is totally unpredictable and throws up surprises
at every possible turn, it is an established belief
of mine that one is shaped by incidents and influences
from one's childhood. Hence, as I introduce myself,
it seems logical to start at the very beginning…where
life, for me, began. |
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A
visit to the well known Vauhini Studios in Madras
on the making of a Hindi movie 'Prem Nagar', gave
me my first enticing glimpse into the world of
make believe. |
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Meanwhile,
in spite of the lure of admissions into prestigious
universities for advanced studies in the sciences,
I opted to study at the Madras School of Arts
and Crafts; A university recommended by an established
cinematographer and my as well. Before being bestowed
with the award, 'Best Student of the Year'. I
was already working as a freelance artist and
designer for multinationals and corporate companies.
This further brought me work as a professional
and films became my forte. Yet, the quantity of
films did not jade my fascination with cinema,
instead grew with time. |
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The first assignment
that triggered a continuous and working career in cinema was
the creation of a life-like, twelve feet model of a submersible
shark, fitted with internal mechanisms for simulating movements
for a Malayalam movie. As an Art Director for the next film
I worked on the lead actor to make him look like a stout man.
What struck me most was the usefulness of the basic principles
of Physics, Chemistry and Engineering, and material knowledge
that I had acquired as part of growing up. |
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| It is perhaps one of destiny's games
that today I often work in the same space, building 'realities'
with the same, simple materials like plaster of Paris, coir
fiber and gunny cloth that had so fascinated me on my first
visit to Vauhini. |
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