What is a steadicam?
It is a stabilizing mount for a motion picture camera, which mechanically isolates the operator's movement from the camera, allowing a very smooth shot even when the operator is moving quickly over an uneven surface. Sujit explains, “When a character is moving from the bedroom to his hall and into the kitchen, the camera follows his movement. It is a camera that floats in the air. The camera moves with the character.” He adds, “Earlier, in Bollywood a steadicam was only used for action scenes and songs. But the new directors now are using it in more conventional ways.”
Expertise
One needs to be specially trained in operating a steadicam. Not everybody can do it. Sujit says, “Operating a steadicam is like playing a musical instrument or driving a Formula One car. Rigorous practice is a must.” He adds, “One has to carry the weighty camera and also concentrate on framing, correct lightning is a prerequisite. And most important is the time factor. A steadicam operator has to be quick and for the same has to be physically fit as one is expected not to make any mistakes. If an operator makes mistakes, the shot is delayed and that upsets the actor as well as the director.”
Sujit has been in this profession for the last 15 years and has been practicing yoga and swimming every day.
The beginning
Sujit is the son of late actor-comedian Asit Sen so it was not difficult for him to get his first job as production manager with an advertising agency. For making one particular TV commercial, the director of the ad film wanted Sujit to arrange for a steadicam. Sujit recalls, “Back then in 1990’s, there was only one steadicam, in Chennai. We flew those guys to Mumbai and I fell in love with the equipment and decided to be a steadicam operator.” He continues, “I went to New York to learn to operate the steadicam and while coming back purchased one.” A steadicam is an expensive equipment that costs more that Rs 40 lakhs.
Breakthrough
In 1990’s not many Bollywood filmmakers wanted to experiment with a steadicam. Sujit says, “I used to meet many filmmakers and give them a demo with the equipment but most seemed uninterested. Renowned stunt director Veeru Devgn was very encouraging and he was the one who started using the steadicam for action scenes.”
Gradually, the dance directors used a steadicam. And now directors like Abbas Mastan, Rohit Shetty, Siddharth Anand are using this camera to shoot the entire film.
Devdas and Golmaal
Sujit confirms, “Film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali doesn’t like to move the camera too much but when he wants to, it has to be a steadicam. Many scenes of the movie Devdas are shot on a steadicam.” He adds, “Rohit Shetty likes moving his camera. He justifies that is why films are called ‘movies’. I have worked on the entire Golmaal series.” And recently Sujit also shot for movies like Hiss, Jootha Hi Sahi, Band Baaja Baarat. He is currently working on Judi Dench and Dev Patel starrer Hollywood movie titled The Best Exotic marigold Hotel.
Ambition
Sujit claims that he currently owns state of the art equipment and would want to teach those who are passionate about the steadicam. And in some time he wants to be a cinematographer.
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