Maverick Ashok Mehta finds salvation!

He has worked with the biggest names in the film industry from Shyam Benegal, Aparna Sen and Basu Bhattacharya to Gulzar, Rajiv Rai and Subhash Ghai.

Ace cinematographer Ashok Mehta is a man who lets his camera do all the talking.

And his camera speaks louder than words. The awards he has won at the London Film Festival, Screen Videocon Awards, Filmfare Awards and the Venice Festival are proof enough.

Excerpts from an interview with Latika Sidana on Ashok Mehta's directorial debut Moksha:

Making a film is a daunting task. What prompted you to turn director?

As a cinematographer, I have been exposed to various kinds of cinema. Like any human, I found I was getting stagnant.

A rolling stone gathers no moss. That is my philosophy. That's why I decided to venture into direction with Moksha.

Direction is far more challenging than cinematography. I had to work on the concept, the script, the title, the characterisations. This was even before we began shooting.

You financed the film yourself. Why?

I have not taken the money from anyone. All I earned as a cinematographer I've invested in Moksha. I don't want others to pay for my mistakes.

When you cast Arjun Rampal, he was a newcomer and a model. Was that a mistake?

When you take on a newcomer, you have to take on the responsibility to be guided in the right direction and moulded.

I wanted Arjun to perform and am happy he has. He grasps things easily. That worked for me. After working with Arjun, if a producer says a model can't act, the producer is at fault, not the model.

What do you aim to achieve with Moksha?

I have seen fame. I want to spread myself evenly in all forms of cinema not only as director. I have always wanted to work with different people be it Shyam Benegal or Subhash Ghai. They are all my friends.

You have worked with Shyam Benegal and Subhash Ghai. What is the shift, the difference?

Whether you are doing offbeat or mainstream cinema, you need to know your job well. You must understand what the director is trying to say and design shots in that fashion.

I have been lucky. My filmmakers have always had strong faith in me. They chose me because they were confident I could fulfill their demands.

After Moksha, what next?

I am planning another film called 24 Hours with Arjun. I will start shooting by the end of this year January next year.