By SUNITA VIJAY
DEHRADUN, 8 Aug: Raju Gauli, an established cinematographer for daily soap operas, family dramas, horror, fantasy drama, documentaries, etc., enjoyed a proud moment when he was approached by the Director, World Icon Awards, to be felicitated for his contribution to the cinematography world. The Award Ceremony was held in Sri Lanka. He was presented the award at a grand ceremony held in the BMICH Auditorium, Colombo, along with other awardees from other countries in the presence of former President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa. A proud moment indeed! Raju has been working with television shows for many years. The job seems to be easy to others but the handling of the lens appropriately requires art, technical knowledge and creativity. To provide a film a unique look or feel through the lens, engaging the viewer and manipulating emotions, much is in the hands of the cinematographer. Any scene, object, picture or person can be brought on screen in different ways, made foreboding or powerful by the way it is shot. It all depends on the vision of the cinematographer, handling of camera and the angles. Talking about his future projects that are ready to be broadcast, Raju says, ‘I am working with a television show, Tara from Satara, the story of a girl coming from the village and becoming a super dancer. The show is ready for release on 19 August on Sony TV. Another project is the upcoming mythological comedy ready to be aired on Star Plus, Maharaj Ki Jai Ho. The dates yet to be finalised. I have also worked as additional cinematographer for Hume Tumse Pyaar Kitna.’ Raju has a strong connect with Uttarakhand. His childhood memories of living here when his father was posted in Dehradun are memorable and presently his in-laws are settled in Garhi Cantt, which keeps the bond strong. He regularly visits Dehradun and is always ready to guide and help those who want to pursue cinematography as a profession.