Whenever he was on the location during the making of a film, Ray generally carried a tape recorder, in order to record background and other sounds, such as bird calls or music, that might be useful for the soundtrack.

Recollects Nemai Ghosh, "Manikda never asked me questions. He got on with his work; I took my pictures. Often, he was so absorbed, I was hesitant to request permission. But the light and composition were so perfect that I was desperate to shoot. I would begin, and soon 36 shots would be taken."