Cinematic masters share craft & wisdom with students at workshop in Rohtak

Students and aspiring filmmakers were offered a deep dive into the world of acting, cinematography, editing and direction during the ongoing film workshop at Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts, here.

On the second day of the workshop, noted cinematographer Mahendra Pradhan and acclaimed actor Pawan Malhotra engaged participants with interactive sessions that combined technical skill, storytelling insight and personal experience.

Pradhan introduced the students to the foundations of cinematography, emphasising that a film’s visual language is shaped not only by equipment and technique but by the ability to compose frames that evoke emotion, mood and meaning. He guided students through the essentials of framing, lighting, camera movement and shot design, describing these as the core pillars of cinematic storytelling.

“Acting is also listening,” he told the participants. “If you listen to other characters with depth, only then can you respond truthfully as your character. Acting is about being present, receptive and honest to the moment,” he added.

Malhotra has earned acclaim for roles in films such as ‘Jab We Met’, ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’, ‘Don’, ‘Delhi-6’, ‘Rustom’, the recently released ‘Fauja’ and his award-winning performance in Earth (1998).

He reflected on his early journey, recalling roles in iconic TV serials like Nukkad, Buniyaad and Hum Log during the 1980s. His debut films ‘Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro’ and ‘Bagh Bahadur’ also earned national recognition.

Bollywood writer-director Ashwini Chaudhary also visited the university and interacted with the students.

“I never cared about the length of the roles. What mattered to me was building a body of work that, even after 20 or 30 years, would give me satisfaction as an actor. Acting as a paradigm has evolved from simplistic stereotypes to complex, layered characters because society itself has grown more complex. The key is adaptation,” Malhotra pointed out.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Amit Arya said, “Artists like Pawan Malhotra remind us that true art comes from sincerity, discipline and humility. His journey is a lesson for our students that greatness is not about instant recognition, but about perseverance and faith in one’s craft.”

Registrar Dr Gunjan Malik observed, “The young generation today has more avenues in cinema than ever before, but their foundation must be built on discipline and hard work.

On Thursday, the third day’s sessions provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of cinema’s evolution, technical foundations and cultural dimensions, setting the stage for the remaining days of the workshop.