Film editors Nitin Baid and Antara Lahiri, who have collaborated with leading filmmakers and production houses in Bollywood, recently shared insights into their profession, particularly focusing on the challenges of fixing poor performances during editing. Appearing on The Streaming Show, the editors highlighted the distinct differences in working with younger versus senior actors and the pre-emptive measures filmmakers take to address an actor’s limitations.
Lahiri noted that enhancing and manipulating performances is a fundamental aspect of editing. She emphasized that with the advent of the multi-camera system, editors have more material to work with, making it easier to compensate for subpar performances. “One of the basics of editing is that you will be enhancing, improving, and manipulating performance in some way or the other,” she said. “Most directors get a sense of the performance very early on, and flags are raised early.”
Baid agreed, underscoring that making performances appear up to standard is an intrinsic part of an editor’s job. He added that working with talented actors like Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt is particularly enjoyable. “Even with weak actors, I look at it differently. They have a certain range, and the audience has certain expectations from them. It’s interesting to try and surpass that expectation,” he explained. He also mentioned that he frequently discusses with directors how to shift the audience’s perception of an actor’s performance.
The editors cited examples of renowned directors such as Shoojit Sircar and Zoya Akhtar, who excel at drawing performances out of actors. Lahiri pointed out that younger actors tend to deliver their best takes early, usually within the first two takes. “It takes directors a while to understand this, so initially, you’ll see they’re doing five or six takes, and the poor kid is getting so tired,” she said. In contrast, senior actors often deliver upwards of 30 takes, providing various nuances in their performances.
Baid highlighted that the type of film also influences the acting style and the editing process. For instance, films by directors like Karan Johar and Rohit Shetty require a more exaggerated style of acting compared to more nuanced roles in other films.
Nitin Baid’s notable projects include working with Anurag Kashyap on “Gangs of Wasseypur,” Zoya Akhtar on “Gully Boy” and “The Archies,” Kabir Khan on “’83” and “Chandu Champion,” and Karan Johar on “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” Antara Lahiri’s portfolio features streaming shows such as “Rudra: The Edge of Darkness,” “Modern Love: Mumbai,” “Delhi Crime,” and “Tooth Pari.”