Sameer Arya

Prominent director of photography Sameer Arya has cinematographed several popular and impactful films across multiple genres such as the psychological thriller Anjaam (1994) directed by Rahul Rawail, the Mahesh Bhatt-directed actioner Naajayaz (1995), Rakesh Roshan’s action drama Koyla (1997), the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Duplicate (1998), Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999) which was directed by Rishi Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan’s sci-fi romance Koi Mil Gaya (2003), the Priyadarshan comedy Malamaal Weekly (2006), and the gangster saga Shootout At Wadala (2013). Known for his inherent ability to accurately translate the vision of the director onscreen, his stylish work won the trust of many well-known filmmakers. He has consciously stayed away from being labeled or slotted for a particular genre of film, preferring to explore a wide range of styles suitable to different films. Some standout scenes he has shot include the thrilling chase atop a cliff in Koyla, wherein a helicopter passes just a couple of feet above the head of hero Shah Rukh Khan, and the much-loved basketball match sequence featuring Hrithik Roshan in Koi Mil Gaya. He has also made a few appearances onscreen in films such as Monsoon Wedding (2001). 

Born on 28 April 1969 into a family steeped in cinema, he is the son of noted character actress Sulbha Arya, best known for her performances in the sitcom Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and in Kal Ho Na Ho (2003) in which she played the character Kanta Ben, and father Ishan Arya (born Irshad Ahsan), National award-winning cinematographer and producer known for landmark films such as Garm Hava (1973). He is related to well-known actress Shabana Azmi, who is his father’s first cousin.

Growing up, he would spend most vacations on outdoor locations in Madras, Hyderabad or Kashmir with his father, who would try to make up for not being able to spend much time with him on a daily basis on account of work commitments. However, being on set and watching film shootings was rather a boring experience for young Sameer, who would have preferred to splash in the hotel swimming pool instead!

His tryst with films started when he was a carefree 19-year-old in college. An assistant of his father’s, Thomas Xavier, who had grown into a successful independent cinematographer, suggested he join the camera department of Khilaaf (1991). Mildly curious and lured by the prospect of earning Rs 100 per day, he would land up on the sets of the film being shot at the time at Madh Island. This would be the beginning of his journey in cinematography, as he went on to assist veteran cinematographer Xavier on films such as Kurbaan (1991), Phool Aur Kaante (1991), and Khiladi (1992).

The next one-and-a-half to two years were to be an intensive training ground for Arya, as he learnt on the job, absorbing technicalities and learning the ropes in a hands-on manner. While his father did share his valuable experience with him, he never visited his sets and had passed away in 1991. His mother chose to reiterate the importance of developing composure and politeness in the industry – lessons that he values to this day.

The offer to cinematograph his first solo film came about serendipitously. He had served as a ‘clash’ or substitute cameraman, when the original cinematographer of the Ajay Devgan-starrer Platform (1993) was unavailable for the shooting of a particular night sequence at Dadar market. Later, he was sitting in on the editing of the scene at the Mukesh Bhatt-owned editing studio in Juhu, when Bhatt’s nephew Vikram Bhatt happened to watch the scene. Impressed by the shooting of that specific sequence, Vikram informed Arya that he would be directing his own film soon and would want to have him on board as DoP. In a month’s time, Arya received the call from veteran producer Tahir Hussain (father of Aamir Khan), offering him the opportunity to cinematograph Madhosh. The film was to be the launch vehicle for Hussain’s younger son Faisal Khan who was debuting with this Vikram Bhatt directorial, which released in 1993. There was, so to speak, no looking back for Arya, thereafter.

A music video that he had shot featuring Krishan Kumar for an M M Kreem composed song Guzre zamane, was praised in an article in the popular Stardust film magazine. Soon, Arya received a call from Krishan Kumar’s older brother, the head honcho of T-Series – Gulshan Kumar, complimenting him on his work. Unknown to him, Gulshan Kumar had also recommended him to prominent filmmaker Rahul Rawail who was scouting for a good DoP for his upcoming project.

When Rawail called Arya introducing himself, the latter thought he was being pranked, till the reality sank in. Rawail offered him the Madhuri Dixit-Shah Rukh-starrer Anjaam, which would also be a key film in his career. The plot revolved around Vijay who falls in love Shivani and proposes to her. However, she rejects him constantly, following which his love turns obsessive as he sets out to make her life a living hell. The film had made an impact with its graphic violence thus far unassociated with the delicate and demure image of its leading lady. 

Arya’s work in his debut Madhosh also led to him bagging a big film directed by Mahesh Bhatt, no less – Naajayaz. Watching the rushes of Madhosh, and also influenced by Vikram Bhatt’s praise of him, Mahesh Bhatt signed him on as DoP of the action thriller starring Ajay Devgan which released in 1995. The film was a critical and commercial success. 

In 1997, he cinematographed the Rakesh Roshan-directed film Koyla, an action thriller starring Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. It revolved around the story of a village girl who agrees to marry the king, whom she has never met, after he sends her a photograph of himself. However, the man in the photograph happens to be not the king but his loyal slave - the handsome mute Shankar. The film was declared an average grosser at the box office, while its action sequences were praised by critics.  Some scenes of the film were shot in the hitherto-unexplored terrain of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. 

The following year, he filmed Duplicate (1998), an action crime comedy directed by Mahesh Bhatt. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla and Sonali Bendre, the plot revolved around a ruthless don, who, in a bid to evade the law, attempts to kill his lookalike who is a chef and tries to take his place. It was a thumping hit at the box office.

He went on to cinematograph Rishi Kapoor’s directorial debut Aa Ab Laut Chalen (1999), a romantic drama about a young man, Rohan Khanna, who leaves India in the hope of a better life in America. It starred Akshaye Khanna and Aishwarya Rai, with Rajesh Khanna making a comeback.

His skills shone in the Rakesh Roshan directed Koi…Mil Gaya (2003), which is considered a milestone in Hindi cinema in the sci-fi genre, being one of the first Indian films to feature aliens. An action drama, it revolved around a developmentally disabled young man who tries to continue the work of his father in communicating with extra-terrestrials from outer space. His attempts lead to a wonderful discovery. Starring Hrithik Roshan in the lead role, with Rekha and Preity Zinta, the film was a commercial and critical success. 

Malamaal Weekly (2006), which he cinematographed, was a comedy drama directed by Priyadarshan. It told the tale of Lilaram, who sells lottery tickets and his customer who wins the jackpot but dies of shock upon finding out that he has won. A race ensues between Lilaram and all the others around him, to lay hands on this bounty. 

In 2013, he cinematographed the action crime biopic Shootout At Wadala, directed by Sanjay Gupta, which was based on a true story, namely the first registered encounter by the Mumbai Police, which took place on 1 November 1982. Starring Anil Kapoor, John Abraham and Manoj Bajpayee, it received a mixed reception from critics and audiences.

Among the other films he has cinematographed include All Is Well (2015) starring Rishi Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan about a musician who is on the run from a group of gangsters with his friend and his estranged parents; Jazbaa (2015) starring Aishwarya Rai and Irrfan about the tensions that arise when the daughter of the nation's best lawyer is kidnapped; and Sanam Re (2016) starring Rishi Kapoor, Pulkit Samrat and Yami Gautam about a career-driven man who finds solace when he reunites with his childhood sweetheart; the family comedy Aankh Micholi (2022) featuring Paresh Rawal, Sharman Joshi and others; and Middle Class Love (2022) about a college boy who is frustrated with his middle-class background and discovers love to be the best way to escape his set-up. 

He has also worked on series such as Bestseller (2022), Illegal – Justice Out of Order (2020), and Aarambh (2017), as well as music videos. 

He has also faced the camera onscreen in Monsoon Wedding (2001) playing a character named Vikram Mehta, and in an episode of the TV series Param Veer Chakra (1988).

He continues to work as DoP on various projects, shooting in India and abroad.

On the personal front, Arya was previously married to producer Srishti Behl (sister of Goldie Behl who is married to Sonali Bendre). They have a son, Veer. They divorced a few years ago, following which he married Chandni Jha.