Editing is kind of a Jigsaw Puzzle: Jai B Ghadiali

After the script is written, the director directs, the actors act and deliver their dialogues while the cameraman shoots, after which comes a very integral part which is known as editing.

Editor Jai B Ghadiali who holds a good experience in this industry as an editor has done editing for popular shows like Kehta Hai Dil, Bhabhi, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, Hum Sab Ek Hain, Hum Hain Baarati, Sanjog Se Bani Sangini, Mamta and Apno ke liye Geeta ka Dharmyudh. He is now doing editing for Shashi Sumeet Pvt. Ltd's Diya Aur Baati Hum and Punar Vivaah Ek Nayi Umeed. We spoke to this talented editor to know more about his life and what are the responsibilities being an editor.

Let's see what Jai has to share with us...

Tell us something about yourself?

I have been working in the industry for more than 16 years as an editor. I started off in 1992 as an assistant director for a show named Ankahee which used to come on DD Metro, directed by Mr. Imtiaz Khan. I worked as an assistant director for 3 years and worked as a cameraman for a year and after that I worked as a sound recorder for a year. Editing used to interest me a lot that time. So, from then onwards I started doing editing.

How did you get into this field? Have you taken any specific training in editing?

I don't have any qualification in editing. I had taken part in an International inter house college drama competition where I won a prize and after that I acted for a commercial play in which Mr. Imtiaz Khan acted as well. He offered me the opportunity to work with him and at the age of 16. I started working and that's how my journey began in this industry. Slowly, I started observing the editors and learnt all of the techniques on my own as to how the machines work. My first show as an editor was Hum Sab Baarati which used to come on Zee TV in the year 2004.

How did you bag Diya Aur Baati Hum?

I am associated with Shashi Sumeet Productions since day one and I also did editing for Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai which was their first home production show. They liked my work. I edited the pilot for Diya Aur Baati Hum too. I am not doing each and every show produced by them but I am doing editing for Diya Aur Baati Hum and Punar Vivah.

What are your responsibilities as an editor?

I have to beautify the rushes as an editor. Sometimes the artists forget dialogues or camera shakes or lighting issues happens. Through editing you have to rectify the errors and flaws which have happened during shoot. Editing is more of a beautification kind of job. Shashi Ma'am says this quote very regularly, "A thing, a product or a story can only be made on two tables: the writing and the editing table." It's a very favorite quote of our industry and Shashi ma'am and Sumeet ji say this quote very regularly. Editing is kind of jigsaw puzzle where you get different and short parts and you have to judge where to place it. You have to be very careful while editing.

How things work from shooting a scene to going on-air?

A scene is shot on digital chip called P2. We convert the rushes and make it in a movie as one clip. One of my assistants starts joining the dialogues first, then the movements and the shots are to be worked upon and after working on various other process, it comes to me after 5-6 hours and I check whether it is the same thing which should go on-air or should I modify it or should I talk to somebody or interchange the dialogue which has been shot.

What are the strategies you follow while editing a scene?

There are no strategies to be followed in editing. Editing is all about what your heart feels and what the script demands. It cannot to be taught as it's an impossible art to be taught. If a coal has the quality of becoming a diamond then only that coal is to be chosen; just like that, if one has the inherent quality to learn it, then only you can do it.

Do you have to be present on the sets?

No, I don't have to be present on the set. I get scripts and when I read the script, I see the masters which have been sent to me, then I rectify the problems using the editing machines which have been set up at the production's studio.

How do things work when an outdoor shoot like the one shot in Singapore for Diya Baati recently?

They shoot day and night continuously for a week or 10 days and then they give me a bank of 10-12 episodes. So, I start editing after that and everything goes cut to cut. They basically have to shoot in advance.

Do you also contribute to the story part?

If somebody asks me about my opinion then I give my suggestion. Basically the writing team sits together and discuss about stories. Usually, the editors are not asked too much about stories because it's the last thing which the editor has to do. I have been working with them for long and they like my work, so sometimes they ask for my suggestion.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

I did one of the shows for Vikram Bhatt which unfortunately couldn't come on-air. It was a game show and a stupendously edited product which I am very proud of. It took me around 40-50 hours to edit and it was a big challenge for me. The show was directed and written by Vikram Bhatt himself.

What's your take on Bloopers?

They are very interesting. I have a bank of bloopers in my machine of Diya Baati and Punar Vivah. I preserve it because sometimes when you are stressed or have parties then we compile all the bloopers and watch them. These are some of the wonderful memories to enjoy.

What kind of struggle have you faced so far?

This line is full of struggle. Having so much of experience in this line, even I had to sit at home for months. An editor has the responsibility to clean all the dust and the glitches happening in every department from the writing team, to camera, to make-up department or the costume department still he gets paid less compared to the all other departments. If other people are not comfortable with my style of working or the amount I demand, then I have no other option but to sit at home and this is the struggle part of my career.

Any regrets so far?

No regrets! I am very happy and I am very passionate about my work.

Any message for the aspirant editors?

I have observed that the new entrants in the editing department are not very focused as they want name, fame and money very fast. I have read in a magazine that - A good director and a good editor is very important; they are very integral part of a product. If the director is not good but the editor is good then he can make your product but if a director is good and the editor is worst then it can screw your product. An editor is a very integral part of the work. If you have to work as an editor then you must learn working on each and every part. You cannot just blame others for their mistake. You must try to solve each and every problem then only can reach to the top. This is a job of ultimate patience. If you have patience in editing, then only you can become a good editor.

Anwesha Kamal