In what must rank as a very rare honour and privilege Bollywood’s well-known DOP (Director Of Photography) Aseem Bajaj who has to his credit the cinematography of Chameli, Gol Maal Fun Unlimited and Son Of Sardaar has done the cinematography of the eagerly awaited Steve Jobs bio-pic Jobs.
Aseem was chosen to shoot the portions showing Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs visiting India. Says Aseem, “Yes, I am the Indian Director Of Photography for Jobs. I shot with Ashton Kutcher. I had a beautiful time working with the film’s DOP Russel Carpenter who has done the photography of James Cameron’s Titanic. It was a huge honour for me to work with this legend behind the lenses. It was also an honour to work with the film’s director Mr. Joshua Michale Sterns. Not too many Indian technicians get the chance to work with such stalwarts. I am humbled.”
Aseem did the cinematography for the Indian portion of the storytelling in Jobs when Ashton Kutcher is seen traveling to India in the 1970s in search of enlightenment and nirvana. Says Aseem, “We shot in Delhi and Vrindavan. It was just three days shooting. But such a learning experience for me. Their work method is so unique. They are such evolved people.”
Incidentally, working with international cinematic icons seems to run in Aseem Bajaj’s family. His wife, the director Leena Bajaj is the only Indian to have shot with Ben Kingsley in Teen Patti.