On my pinboard- Ravi K Chandran

Award-winning cinematographer Ravi K Chandran has impressed many film buffs in the country with his visuals and concepts. He has a way with the camera like none other and has worked with a number of well-known directors in unique projects, varying from Karan Johar’s ‘My Name is Khan’ to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Black’ to Mani Ratnam’s  ‘Kannathil Muthamittal’.

Some of his projects include  Bollywood movies like ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘Virasat’, ‘Yuva’, ‘Agneepath’, ‘Koi... Mil Gaya’, ‘Ghajini’ and ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ as well as South Indian movies like ‘Kandukondain Kandukondain’ and ‘Boys’.

His latest project includes the recently released ‘Ok Jaanu’ and is now working on ‘Bharath Ane Nenu’.

Musician
‘The Beatles’
‘“The Beatles’ weren’t too noisy and they created music which was romantic and singable. The music is such that it stays on and I can never get bored of it. But while I listened to only them earlier, now I listen to a variety of genres like jazz and blues.

My other favourite artistes include Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Adele. Music is a very important part of
my life. I start every day with pleasant music.”

Author
Sujatha Rangarajan
“I am deeply influenced by Tamil literature. I especially like Sujatha Rangarajan’s works for their fluid style. His ‘Srirangathu Devathaigal’, which is in two parts, influenced me a lot. He brought in a lot of modernism into Tamil writing. Apart from him, Jayakanthan and Ashokamitran are other favourite authors. I studied in a Tamil medium school and the language has shaped me into what I am. Nowadays, most of the books I read now are about filmmaking and the technical side of cinema.”

Travel
Prague
“I love Prague! Everything about the place is phenomenal. That city is very small yet has beautiful bridges and Gothic and narrow streets, which is specific to the place. Everytime I go to Europe, I take a day off to visit the place. I love walking around and visiting the cafes there. The Charles Bridge has a spectacular view. Every time I visit it, it looks  different to me, be it during the day or night.
I love travelling as it opens up one’s horizon. Travel has taught me a lot.”

Actor
Mohanlal
“I strongly believe that there is no actor like Mohanlal. His eyes say it all. He doesn’t need to act; he emotes through his eyes. Be it anger or sorrow, his eyes can communicate it without him moving a muscle. In Hollywood, I love Jack Nicolson because you can’t beat him. There is no one like him. I cannot forget his performances in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘Shining’ which are my favourite movies.”

Inspiration
Ramachandra Babu
“Many people have inspired me in my life. But my biggest inspiration continues to be my brother Ramachandra Babu. He is a calm and quiet person who is very knowledgeable. He is very close to our family and is a responsible family member. I have always wanted to be like him. In the film industry, Rajiv Menon has inspired me a lot. He is a very helpful and wise human being.”

Food
Meen Pollichathu’
“My favourite cuisine is Kerala food. My roots are from Kerala but since I was raised in Tamil Nadu, I never got much chance to eat authentic Kerala food since Malayali cuisine outside the state isn’t how it is back home. I love ‘Meen Pollichathu’ and ‘Allapuzha fish curry’. 

I also love Thai food. I especially love fish in lemon sauce. Thai cuisine is very close to Indian food as it also has a lot of spices. But it is light and one doesn’t feel stuffed after a platter of
Thai food.”