Ulfat Jaan
Srinagar July 17: Hailing from Sopore town in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Tanveer Mir has steadily carved a niche for himself in the Indian film industry as an acclaimed cinematographer. Known for his collaborations with legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, and Vikrant Massey, among others, Tanveer has added yet another masterpiece to his illustrious portfolio with the recently released visual spectacle, ‘Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan’.
Shot in Mumbai, Mussoorie, and Azerbaijan, the film has been lauded for its breathtaking visuals and emotional depth. Tanveer’s meticulous craftsmanship, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the dedication behind the camera.
In an exclusive interview with Morning Kashmir, Tanveer shared insights into his latest project, Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, stating, “We poured our heart and soul into this film, and it truly reflects on screen.”
He elaborated, “Cinematography is about serving the narrative. Every visual element—from the aesthetic to the framing—stems from a well-crafted script. It’s the script that inspires the imagery, tone, and overall feel for us as creatives.”
Discussing the challenges of shooting Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, he revealed, “This was one of the most demanding schedules I’ve faced, particularly due to the harsh conditions in Azerbaijan, where temperatures plunged to -13°C with freezing winds. Operating the camera was a struggle, and keeping the foreign crew motivated was another hurdle. Even minor adjustments, like repositioning a light or dolly, became nearly impossible once instructions were given.”
Reflecting on his remarkable journey—from Sopore, once a hotspot of militancy, to the glitz of Bollywood—Tanveer remarked, “Cinema often appears magical, but the reality is far more complex. Behind every captivating frame lies the artistry of the cinematographer, whose lens breathes life into stories.”
He added, “A cinematographer amplifies the vision of actors, directors, and producers, ensuring each frame resonates with emotion and depth.”
Recalling his humble beginnings, Tanveer shared, “My fascination with photography and videography began in school. To pursue this passion professionally, I earned a degree in journalism from Baramulla College in 2008, followed by a diploma in cinematography and film editing from Chennai’s LV Prasad Film School.”
After completing his studies, Tanveer moved to Mumbai in 2011. “My first break came with the Hollywood film Eat, Pray, Love, where I interned in the cinematography department under the legendary Robert Richardson, a three-time Oscar winner. Working alongside Julia Roberts was an unforgettable experience.”
“Later, I trained under my mentor, P.C. Sreeram, one of India’s most revered cinematographers, for nearly six years, refining my craft,” he added.
Tanveer fondly recalled his first collaboration with Amitabh Bachchan: “I worked as an associate cinematographer on Shamitabh and later shot an ad with him independently. During the shoot, when a lighting issue arose with his glasses, Bachchan sir immediately adjusted them himself. His professionalism and humility left a lasting impression.”
With an impressive filmography spanning Bollywood and South Indian cinema, Tanveer has collaborated with stars like Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Allu Arjun, and Amy Jackson, as well as acclaimed directors such as Mani Ratnam and Allu Aravind.
Some of his notable works include Pad Man (2018), I (2015), Psycho (2020), Eat, Pray, Love (India schedule), Guzaarish, Yuthamsai, Shudra, Ishq, Ok Kanmani, Urvasivo Rakshasivo, and Mr. Zoo Keeper.
Recently, Tanveer was honored with the Best Cinematographer 2024 award for his work on Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond, a Hindi war drama. He had previously received the prestigious Ananda Vikatan Award for Psycho, one of South Indian cinema’s highest honors in cinematography.
