ENTRY DESCRIPTION
The morning was blooming in all its glory when Neha and I explored the rustic bylanes of Chor Bazaar in the city of Mumbai, India. During the British rule, this place emerged as a market for stolen goods and in the present time, it is known for its eccentric collection of antique and vintage second-hand items rather than stolen ones. In fact, according to a popular legend, if you lose anything in Mumbai, it is likely that you will be able to buy it back from this bazaar.

For the aesthetic and mood of this shoot, I had kept in mind the same earthy and embellished flavours of the Chor Bazaar streets. Each tiny element that decorated the frame, such as the texture of the outfits, pieces of jewelry, and the kohl in Neha’s eyes were all carefully chosen and put together to mirror the rich market. And thus, donned in silver ornaments teeming gleefully in her traditional attire, Neha, a seasoned actress of the Indian film industry, carries with glory entire traditions and cultures in this one picture. A man in turban enjoys his cigar right beside, as her piercing gaze approaches the camera lens boldly.

I admire this photograph because it introduces the viewer to the richness of the folk elements and the history they hold, right from the flamboyant turban that perfectly matches the stance of the man who wears it, to Neha’s very traditional bindi and kohl-tinted eyes.

AUTHOR
A published photographer, an award-winning filmmaker, an avid storyteller- I go by many tags. But here’s how I’d rather describe myself- I like to see the world through my lens more than with my bare eyes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. From having been published by media mammoths like the United Nations, National Geographic, The Guardian, and Daily Mail, to winning the heart of a small town girl back in the Aru Valley with a picture I took of her, my audience has been eclectic.

My journey as a photographer started in 2009, and was escalated when I graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, L.A.; the best film school in the world. Since then, I have found a suitable home for my skill as a fine art photographer and a filmmaker. When the world is still waking up, I’m usually busy crafting a fashion photo shoot or prepping for a wedding I have to document. I often mould my stories into reality through photo narratives and abruptly book trips to explore the different corners of the world. When I am not away, I find my home in Bengaluru, and more often than not, behind my camera lens.

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