FROM A WIDE ANGLE: A LOOK INTO ANIL MEHTA'S CINEMATIC JOURNEY

Anil Mehta, a renowned Indian cinematographer, director, and writer, has significantly shaped Hindi cinema’s visual language over the past two decades. In this exclusive interview for our Education series, Mehta reflects on his illustrious career, the importance of adapting to budget constraints, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring cinematographers.

- Swapnil Raje

Anil Mehta is a renowned Indian cinematographer, director, and writer, celebrated for his significant contributions to Hindi cinema. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Mehta’s career took off with his work on “Khamoshi: The Musical” (1996), which was also Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial debut1. His exceptional cinematography in “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” (1999) earned him the National Film Award for Best Cinematography.

Mehta’s portfolio boasts a diverse range of films, each bearing his unique visual signature. Notable works include “Lagaan” (2001), one of the most renowned films that was among final list nominees at the Academy Awards., followed by noteable films like “Kal Ho Naa Ho” (2003), “Veer-Zaara” (2004), “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” (2006), “Rockstar” (2011), “Jab Tak Hain Jaan” (2012), “Highway” (2014) and “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” (2016). His first feature film as a director, “Aaja Nachle”, was produced by Yash Raj Films and released in 2007.

Having worked with filmmakers like Yash Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sriram Raghavan, Karan Johar, and Imtiaz Ali, Anil Mehta’s work has left an indelible mark on Bollywood, shaping its visual language over the past two decades. His ability to adapt his cinematographic style to the narrative needs of diverse films has established him as one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema.

Reflecting on his career, Mehta highlights the importance of adapting to budget constraints, viewing limitations as opportunities for innovation, as demonstrated in films like “Lagaan” and “Highway.” He emphasizes that while emerging technologies like AI and VR are tools, the core of cinematography lies in the vision and creativity of the person behind the camera. For aspiring cinematographers, he advises embracing confusion constructively and focusing on harnessing technological changes effectively.