In a candid chat with Tellychakkar.com, cinematographer Santosh Suryavanshi, who has worked on shows like Kabhi Souten Kabhi Saheli, Hum Do Hai Na, Kkusum, Tumhari Disha, Kahin To Hoga, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kayamat, Bandhan Saat Janmo Ka and Pratigya talks at length on cinematography for the small screen. Any show that you are doing these days? Yes, they are Junoon - Aisi Nafrat Toh Kaisa Ishq on Life OK and Uttaran on Colors. Of all the shows you have done, which have been the ones you are proud of being associated with? On this, I like to mention two or three shows which I am very proud of being a part of. I had worked on Kasautii Zindagii Kay for five and a half years. I could cinematographically experiment a lot with it as it was a love story with action sequences. Similarly, I could be innovative with Uttaran as well. It was initially the story of a rich and poor girl the backdrop of which was both a slum and a mansion. Through my cinematography, I had to show the demarcation between the two worlds of poverty and opulence. Another show which I am very honoured to have been associated with is Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya that crossed 750 episodes. Junoon - Aisi Nafrat, Toh Kaisa Ishq also gives a DOP (Director of Photography) ample scope to explore his creativity. Initially, it was shot in a village. So I had to create a rural ambience through my art. Now that it has shifted to a city, I will bestow an urban feel to the photography. There are many action scenes too which give me the opportunity to explore a lot while capturing the sequences through the lens. It’s a love story also, I capture the romantic moments with much sensitivity. How do you feel with your show Junoon - Aisi Nafrat, Toh Kaisa Ishq crossing 100 episodes? I am happy with this milestone. I hope many more milestones come my way with the passage of time. How has the TV industry changed since you came on the scene? In 1999, the year I joined, the TV industry wasn’t so big. The credit mainly goes to Ekta Kapoor (Balaji Telefilms) for bringing about a big change in the industry. How is the cinematography of films different from that of TV? I have worked mainly for TV. In films, you have bigger cameras. Films need detailing whereas you need to work fast as far as TV is concerned. Both are different mediums. Would you advise someone wanting a career in cinematography on TV to pursue a course? Let me first talk about myself. I kicked off my TV career in 1999 and frankly speaking, I did not pursue any course. You see, one has to have the passion and interest to learn cinematography and need to put in hard work. The best way to learn the ropes is by assisting a DOP. Now, I have a team of my own who are working on the above mentioned two shows. Could you mention the names of a few DOPs in the TV industry whose work you greatly admire. There are many DOPs who are good at their work. If I take certain names the others will get offended. I would rather not reply to this as all the DOPs in the TV industry are my friends. What are your future career plans? I haven’t made any future career plans. Currently, I am using all my expertise in the TV industry. I feel happy when people appreciate my work. Producers Yash and Mamta Patnaik are great people to work with as they are very cooperative.