Filmmaking skills came in automatically while judging: Nagesh Kukunoor

New Delhi: Director Nagesh Kukunoor is all set to make his television debut with a new show where he would be mentoring and judging 8 amateur photographers as they capture picturesque Sri Lanka.

Kukunoor, who believes photography is very personal vocation and medium of expression, said, "When I was first offered the show, I thought there was no other show like it. I loved judging it." `Mission Cover shot`, to be telecast on National Geographic channel from March 25, will chronicle the journey of 8 amateur photographers battling it out for the chance to contribute to the cover of the Nat Geo Traveller magazine. Kukunoor, known for his realistic films, started his career with ‘Hyderabad Blues’ and went on to make critically acclaimed films like ‘Iqbal’ and ‘Dor’. On why he agreed to judge a photography reality show, Kukunoor said, "While judging the show my filmmaking skills automatically came in. The show has an amazing prospect where we give a single event to 8 photographers and we get 8 different images which is very exciting to see as a filmmaker. "For me there are many perfect shots. For each event there will be a perfect shot. If you ask me to select a perfect shot for the whole series I wouldn`t be able to do it," he added. Kukunoor`s idea of the perfect picture would be "a picture that evokes same emotions even after 25 years." Debarpita Banerjee, Vice President, Marketing and Communication, NGC Networks and Fox International Channels, said, "Everyone is clicking photographs these days. One is either creating a memory or stunning click. National Geography is known for stunning imagery. "The show has a fresh concept... The essence of the show is that each picture has a story to tell. The show is all about photography and talent." Manas Mohan, Publishing Director, Nat Geo Magazine, said "We thought it was a great idea and the cover page would be an ultimate prize that we can offer to a budding talent. The show is very important for the photography community and for them to believe that lot more is happening on the scene." The host of the show, Shibani Dandekar, said she agreed to be a part of the show because she found it to be "intelligent TV and a reality show which is not scripted." PTI