In dramas and daily soaps you don't have to bother about creativity: Cinematographer Pushpank Gawde

Pushpank Gawade, who handles cinematography of Baal Veer on SAB TV, is one who creates magic on screen with his lens. Keeping himself updated in order to bring consistent change on screen, he works hard towards achieving his assignment. In a nutshell, Pushpank is a passionate cameramen who makes viewers go crazy with his work. Tellychakkar.com catches up with the ebullient cinematographer while he drives his way to his shoot.Excerpts; Tell us something about Pushpank Gawade? (pauses) I have been working in the field of cinematography since the last 15 years. I started my career by assisting Sanjay Jadhav the DOP (Director of Photography) of Mumbai Meri Jaan. Later, I had the honour of assisting many other cinematographers, But, after 7 years I started working independently as a cinematographer and presently I am handling the DOP of SAB TV’s Baal Veer. Tell us about your journey so far? (pauses) Having always wanted to be cinematographer, I joined Indian Institute of Photography for learning still photography after I passed my 10th class. Gradually I acquired practical knowledge in the trade by assisting professional cinematographers. If I am not mistaken, my first show on television was Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka on Sony Entertainment Television and at present I am working with Contiloe and Optimystix Productions. I have even worked as DOP for a Marathi film titled Sanai Chaughade that was produced by actor Shreyas Talpade. I have also worked for Wilson Louis’ horror film Kaalo for which I received an award in the Best Cinematographer category in the South Africa Film Festival. How different is television from films? Since, television is majorly focused on women audience, it is based around the kitchen. At times it becomes difficult to bring out creativity in drama because the area is limited for exposure. Films, on other hand, give you freedom to explore or utilize your talent to any great extent. For small screen creativity is done only at the initial stage of any show but for films, you get to explore the location before-hand and plan the shoot according to the way you want. Why is creativity decreasing on television? Television is something where the need for creativity is very limited and most importantly one has to work according to the budget. Drama and daily soaps are places where you don’t have to get into creativity. Here, everyday is the same, the background too is also the same; only the scene changes. Creativity is not lost; it’s just the way of shows and the concept is pulling back the exposure towards creativity. How has technology changed so far? Initially, you had to work with film rolls so there was always a fear before taking any shot, but now even movies have changed to the digital way of taking. Hence, it becomes very easy to select the best shot. So, in a way, the digital system has helped us give more extension towards creativity. Nowadays, there is no difference related to cinematography in both television and films. How have you evolved as a cinematographer so far? For me, cinematography has always been my passion; hence every day I make it certain to learn something. I consider films a place where any cinematographer gets to grow a lot. It is a very hectic profession and every single day is very challenging. I have tried to learn and go ahead with every change in technology as well as practicality. What in the world you like to shoot with your camera? I would love to shoot a cricket match. Do you believe in accidental shoot or a planned shoot? I believe in planned shoot because nothing works out without putting effort in it. So for any shoot to be effective, you need to plan for it. Accidents never happen regularly, they are just once in blue moon. Who looks good on your camera? It’s Shreyas Talpade. I like shooting him. Any advice you would like to give to aspiring actors? Be honest towards your career and prepare yourself to be on feet for 24*7. What are your future plans? I am working in two films; one regional and the other in Hindi which are scheduled to release this year.