Lovepreet Singh Assistant Director of Photography
Lovepreet Singh: The Lens Behind the Legacy of Modern Punjabi Cinema
In a world where the glamour of cinema often overshadows the labor behind the lens, it is rare for technicians to earn their due recognition. Yet, within the bustling film sets of Punjabi cinema, one name quietly resonates among directors, cinematographers, and production crews alike—Lovepreet Singh, a dedicated Assistant Director of Photography (ADoP) whose visual contributions have helped define some of the region’s most celebrated films.
From emotional dramas like Zakhmi and Son of Manjeet Singh to youthful comedies like Honsla Rakh and Mitran Da Naa Chalda, and visually rich productions like Galwakdi and Rode College, Lovepreet’s camera sensibility has enhanced narrative depth, cinematic tone, and production quality. As the industry continues to grow in scale and sophistication, Lovepreet’s name stands out among the new generation of visual storytellers working diligently behind the scenes.
A Journey Born from Passion
Lovepreet Singh’s love for cinema began not in studios, but in the vibrant fields and streets of Punjab, where real life offered color, character, and composition. Fascinated by frames, lights, and storytelling, he gravitated toward photography early on. What started as a hobby evolved into a technical pursuit when he chose to study film production and specialized in cinematography and lighting.
Determined to master his craft, Lovepreet took up hands-on roles early in his career, often shadowing senior cinematographers and learning the nuances of lens selection, lighting setups, focus pulling, and camera movement. His dedication and curiosity caught the attention of production teams who quickly recognized his potential as a reliable Assistant DOP.
In an industry where long hours and high pressure are part of the norm, Lovepreet’s consistency, sharp eye for visual storytelling, and team-oriented approach helped him carve out a strong professional identity.
Early Breakthroughs and Recognition
Lovepreet’s first major credit came with the film Rode College, a youth-centric drama that marked the beginning of his long-standing relationship with Punjabi film crews. The film required a vibrant yet realistic visual tone, capturing both the spirit of college life and the emotional highs and lows of the characters.
Lovepreet supported the Director of Photography (DOP) in key tasks including scene pre-lighting, camera setup, lens management, and focus accuracy. His precise handling of equipment and awareness of shot continuity proved instrumental in keeping production timelines intact and visuals sharp.
His work on Rode College led to further opportunities and, more importantly, trust within the industry.
Galwakdi (2022): Emotion Through Aesthetic
One of Lovepreet’s most visually expressive projects, Galwakdi, required a delicate balance of emotion and aesthetic. Starring Tarsem Jassar and Wamiqa Gabbi, the film featured moments of light romance, family dynamics, and cultural traditions—all of which needed to be captured with sensitivity.
Lovepreet worked closely with the DOP to execute a lighting scheme that supported the emotional arcs of each scene. Whether it was a soft morning glow through sheer curtains or a moody evening silhouette, Lovepreet’s behind-the-scenes contributions ensured each shot reflected the right tone.
"Lighting is not just about brightness," he often says. "It’s about emotion, timing, and subtle storytelling."
Mitran Da Naa Chalda (2023): Technical Precision in Chaos
In Mitran Da Naa Chalda, a courtroom comedy-drama starring Gippy Grewal and Tania, Lovepreet was part of a high-speed, multi-location production that demanded quick turnarounds and flawless technical execution. The courtroom scenes, in particular, required dynamic camera movements and lighting consistency over multiple shooting days.
Lovepreet coordinated lens changes, operated second-unit shots, and helped maintain visual continuity in scenes filled with ensemble casts. His strong coordination skills ensured the camera team functioned like a well-oiled machine—despite the fast-paced shoot.
Honsla Rakh (2021): Youthful Energy and Sharp Visuals
A runaway hit, Honsla Rakh was a feel-good romantic comedy featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Sonam Bajwa, and Shehnaaz Gill. The film’s bright tone and urban aesthetic required an ADoP who could keep up with the vibrant tempo and visual energy.
Lovepreet contributed significantly to outdoor lighting setups, gimbal and steadicam operations, and synchronization between the director’s vision and the cinematography plan. His understanding of motion-based shots added fluidity to sequences involving song montages and comedic moments.
“Honsla Rakh taught me how to match emotion with movement,” Lovepreet recalls. “Every camera move was part of the story.”
Zakhmi (2020): Grit and Grounded Reality
Zakhmi was a stark contrast to Lovepreet’s previous work. The film, based on a man’s personal loss and fight for justice, needed a gritty visual tone—low-key lighting, intense close-ups, and a limited color palette.
Lovepreet’s challenge was to support the DOP in achieving these visuals while working in real locations with minimal infrastructure. From managing bounce lights in narrow alleyways to rigging portable setups inside moving cars, Lovepreet displayed both technical ingenuity and adaptability.
The result was a film that felt immediate, raw, and visually immersive—qualities that wouldn’t have been possible without a skilled assistant camera team.
Son of Manjeet Singh (2018): Emotion-Focused Cinematography
Produced by Kapil Sharma, Son of Manjeet Singh was a deeply emotional film centered on a father-son relationship. With educational aspirations and generational differences at its core, the movie required a grounded, intimate shooting style.
Lovepreet was part of the core team that helped translate these themes into visual form. His attention to framing details—especially during emotional confrontation scenes—helped the DOP maintain visual coherence and emotional impact. From soft focus transitions to backlit frames, every scene carried weight and warmth.
More Than an Assistant: A Creative Collaborator
Though his title remains Assistant Director of Photography, Lovepreet Singh’s approach to the job extends well beyond technical support. On most sets, he acts as a creative collaborator—offering suggestions for lighting tweaks, shot compositions, and even actor blocking when appropriate.
Directors have come to appreciate his calm demeanor and professional ethic. “Lovepreet brings a sense of calm to high-stress shoots,” says one director who worked with him on multiple projects. “He understands the rhythm of a set and adapts to changes without losing sight of quality.”
The Language of Light and Lens
What makes Lovepreet unique is his deep understanding of the language of light. He believes cinematography is not just visual—it’s emotional. His favorite part of any project? “The moment the camera rolls and the frame tells a story without a word spoken.”
As an ADoP, Lovepreet remains involved in:
Lens and camera rigging
Pre-lighting and on-set adjustments
Shot listing and camera movement planning
On-location troubleshooting
Coordinating with gaffers and grips
Ensuring continuity and focus tracking
His dual focus on artistry and efficiency makes him a valuable asset to any production team.
The Road Ahead
Lovepreet Singh continues to work on upcoming Punjabi and Hindi film projects, with several OTT collaborations in the pipeline. He’s also developing his skills as an independent cinematographer, shooting short films and ad campaigns.
With ambitions to one day serve as Director of Photography on feature films, Lovepreet remains committed to learning and evolving. “This is a journey,” he says. “Every frame I help create teaches me something new.”
Conclusion: The Silent Storyteller of Modern Punjabi Cinema
Lovepreet Singh’s journey from behind the scenes to becoming a respected Assistant DOP is a story of dedication, vision, and quiet excellence. While actors deliver the lines and directors craft the scenes, it is technicians like Lovepreet who ensure that what the audience sees is beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable.
In an industry that thrives on visual storytelling, Lovepreet’s hands may never be visible—but his fingerprints are on every frame.