Cinematographer Jay Oza is currently working on Aryan Khan’s debut streaming series Stardom. He recently shared insights into the young filmmaker’s approach and the dynamics of working on different types of projects.
Oza discussed the differences between smaller, indie films and more mainstream, star-driven productions during a conversation with Film Companion, alongside cinematographer Shreya Dev Dube.
Oza On The Impact Of Actors In Bollywood
Oza highlighted the significant influence actors have on the hiring process in Bollywood. He recounted an experience where a female actor refused to let him be part of an ad shoot because she believed he lacked expertise in beauty lighting.
He explained that actors often have the final say on who gets to be part of the crew. “Before we are finalised, the actor has approved us. On big films, I’ve gone through a certain process, and I’ve been told that the actress doesn’t think that you can do justice to…” he said.
Aryan Khan Sees Things Bright, Says Jay Oza
When asked how he navigates the demands of mainstream projects compared to grittier indie films, Oza used his work on Raman Raghav 2.0 and Stardom as examples. “A film like Raman Raghav 2.0, we all knew what we were aiming for. The nature of the story is that. But for example, the show that I’m doing with Aryan, I can’t take the Raman Raghav approach because there is a certain level of comedy, entertainment. Aryan personally likes to see things bright, I have to adapt to him and give it to him, even if it’s against…”
Oza Reveals An Actress Didn’t Like His Work For This Reason
Recalling the incident with the ad shoot, Oza said he received a call from a producer late at night, informing him that the actress did not like his work and that they might need to replace him. The issue was specifically about his ability to do beauty lighting. Oza described how the situation was resolved when the director supported him.
Despite his initial frustration, he chose to follow the management’s detailed lighting instructions. “At 7 am, I woke up to an email from the management telling me how I should light the actress. Of course, my immediate artist’s ego was hurt, but I calmed myself down and told myself that as long as I’m getting my per-day, I shouldn’t get affected. I decided to play it the other way and obey the rules.” He made it a point to check with the actress after every shot to ensure her satisfaction. “She got the point,” he noted.
Oza, known for his work on films such as Raman Raghav 2.0, Gully Boy, Toofaan, and the series Made in Heaven, is also involved in upcoming projects like the action film Yudhra and the long-delayed road trip film Jee Le Zaraa.
Meanwhile, Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, is making his writing and directing debut with Stardom, a series reportedly set in the world of entertainment. Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, the series has yet to secure a streaming platform.
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