I am: An Art Director for movies.

My age: 29

What's my job : Deciding the look of a film - be it constructing the set of a house, a backdrop for a song, or setting up props on an existing location.

The modus operandi : The director, the cameraman and I sit together and discuss the script - it's very important for the three of us to be in sync. The budget is set and then we decide on the locations and the possible sets. Then we do a recce, that is, we go out and choose locations. Before I start on my drawings, I do my research - is it a period film, what is the tone of the movie, if there's a house, what kind of furniture would that character have. I also use references from books.

The stepping-stones : After studying architecture, I approached Sharmishta Roy with my portfolio. I've always admired her work and was lucky to start my career with her. I learnt a lot from her - K3G was a complete experience. The sets ranged from classical (the entire Chandni Chowk was recreated) to contemporary.

On the sets : Technical knowledge is important as everything revolves around the camera movements, the lighting, etc. For 'Dil Maange More' we had to change the colour of a wall because, though it pleased the naked eye, it looked drab on camera. There's a lot of difference between a drawing and actual execution.

On my own: I worked with Sharmishta Roy for a year-and-a-half. The time had come for me to start independent work. After I quit, I sent out resumes to 108 production houses and followed up regularly. Some producers met me... some didn't. Then Neha Arts called me and kick-started my career with 'Nayee Padosan'.

No excuses: Film-making is changing. Education and professionalism are the new mantra. Of course, there are constraints. No matter how lavishly you create the set in your mind, you must do the best possible work in the allotted budget. Your work is going to be viewed by millions, and every frame is up for criticism. Once your work is shot and shown, there's no room for complacency or excuses. You can't say I'll do better next time - there might not be a next time.

So You Want To Become An Art Director?

• Education in a design field helps.

• You must be inclined towards the arts.

• Start by assisting a well- known art director.

• Detach the glamour element. It is hard work. If you are looking for interaction with stars - there's not much of that.

• There are no fixed hours. You might be working nights at a stretch.

• Learn to give attention to detail. On screen, every mistake is magnified.

• Be particular about time. If you say you will take five days to finish one set, you better finish it by then - the shoot is scheduled for the sixth day.

Independent Films:

Nayee Padosan

Shaadi Ka Ladoo

Detective Nani (in production)

Dil Maange More (in production) Ad films

Films As An Assistant Art Director

Mohabattein

Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham

Badhai Ho Badhai

Kranti

Yaadein

Telefilm: Jahan Pyaar Mile.