The Hindu : Front Page : Amitabh a guiding light for sound recordists: Pookutty

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 07, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

Amitabh a guiding light for sound recordists: Pookutty

Oscar winner says he got global recognition thanks to Big B

Mumbai: Crediting megastar Amitabh Bachchan with being a “guiding light” for sound recordists in Hindi cinema, Oscar winning sound engineer Resul Pookutty has said that he owes his international recognition to the Big B.

Mr. Bachchan has always been involved in the post-production stage of his films. “He would witness how the film is shaping up. He gifted a library of sound effects from Hollywood to sound recordists in Mumbai to help them learn the new technology. His company also readily agreed to produce my album of sound effects,” Mr. Pookutty said after his felicitation by Mr. Bachchan on Tuesday night.

The function was organised by the Western India Motion Pictures and TV Sound Engineers Association.

He said 22nd February, the day when “Slumdog Millionaire” swept the Oscar awards, was a proud moment and a landmark day for all the technicians working behind the scenes. “We made a point that our contribution is very important towards the making of a film and that was recognised by an international body like the Oscars,” he said.

Close relationship

Mr. Bachchan, speaking earlier, said he shared a close relationship with the sound department all through his career.

“Even though ‘Saat Hindustani’ is my first film as an actor, technically speaking my debut film is ‘Bhuvan Shom,’ as my voice is documented in it,” he said.

Mr. Bachchan said earlier sound department was not taken as seriously as it should be. “During the days of studio recording, it was sound proof. In the age of reflex camera, films started being dubbed. But now due to sync sound, a sound recordist is very important,” he said.

“Earlier, there would be re-takes only at the instance of the director, but now a sound recordist asks for a retake if he thinks that he has not got the right sounds. Many times, actors get into arguments with the sound recordist because he will not allow the camera to roll if he does not get the right sounds even if the artistes are ready with their dialogues,” Mr. Bachchan recalled.

He said he had had arguments with Mr. Pookutty on many occasions. “I apologise to him for that today.” — PTI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page