Aseem Bajaj

Biography:

Aseem Bajaj, previously known as Ashim Prakash Bajaj, is an accomplished Indian cinematographer hailing from Bihar, India. He was born into a distinguished family, with his father being Ram Gopal Bajaj, an academician, theatre director, and former director of the National School of Drama. Aseem completed his schooling in 1993 and was fortunate to be born into a family associated with prestigious awards such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1996 and the Padma Shri in 2003. Within the film industry, he is affectionately known as Guddu or Bajju.

He embarked on his career by immersing himself in theatre, where he spent two years working with the ‘Nirmaan Kala Manch’ group. During this brief period, he contributed to renowned plays like Jasma Odhan, Bakri, and Bidesia. In 1992, he underwent a three-month training program to become a stage manager at the National School of Drama in New Delhi. Additionally, he delved into various aspects of theatre, including lighting, acting, backstage work, and music composition during a two-year stint with the theatre group Act One. Under the guidance of Ashok Bhagat, he participated in the recreation of plays like Galileo, Incident at Vichy, and West Side Story. Soon after, Aseem began working on commercials alongside prominent figures such as Ajay Devgn, Leena Yadav, Anil Naidu, and Rajesh Krishan.

Aseem Bajaj firmly believes that it is the power of imagination, rather than the equipment used, that truly shapes meaningful cinema. He has demonstrated the validity of this belief through his work in various films, including Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Hum Tum, Chameli, Jo Bole So Nihaal, Shabd, Golmaal, Double Dhamaal, God Tussi Great Ho, and others. In 2001, he married Leena Yadav and collaborated with her on the film “Parched.” Their professional partnership extended to television shows, including “This Week That Year,” “Dead End,” “Picture This,” and “Lakeeren.”

Some of Aseem Bajaj’s recent projects include “Oh My God (OMG),” “Bodyguard,” “Love Breakups Zindagi,” “Son of Sardaar,” and “Shivaay.” He achieved a significant milestone in his career when he became a member of the Western India Cinematographers Association [WICA] and the Guild of British Camera Technicians [GBCT]. He also served as a jury member for the Filmfare Awards in 2007 and 2009, receiving multiple awards and honors throughout his illustrious career.

His accolades include the Asia Image Award for Best Cinematography in 2001, the Filmfare Award for the same category in 2003, the International Indian Film Academy Award for Cinematography in 2005, and the Swarovski Trophy for Best Cinematography at the Asian International First Film Festival. Additionally, he received an award for Best Short Film for a movie he produced, “The World in Short,” at the Salento International Film Festival in Italy.