It is amazing how you can find talent in the most unexpected places. On one of my online journeys, I discovered some wonderful pictures clicked by unknown yet really talented photographers who captured the colours of India at the most unusual places through their lenses.
Shashwat Shah, a photographer by hobby and jeweler by profession, does not like to take pictures of the obvious places like heritage sites or museums, but rather he loves to click private houses and havelis hidden in unknown alleys of Rajasthan, which are symbol of cultural grandeur and splendour of yesteryears but are now mostly in dilapidated states. The houses that he has brought to life through his photography, most of which are atleast 200 years old, have beautiful wall art, windows, frescoes, domes and exquisite carvings and are a testimony of the glorious history of India.
On one of his photographic ventures, while capturing these images, Shashwat was amazed to discover that these exotic murals were painted in natural vegetable colours using no synthetic colours, something that speaks of the heightened care and compassion that was involved in creating these masterpieces. These beautiful buildings, or whatever is left of it, bask in the glory of past, however it saddens Shah that these “heritage” buildings are not cared for but rather remain today in shambles and at the mercy of people who couldn’t care less about their well-being. With his camera, he hopes to bring these beauties to the world, so that we can take pride in whatever little we have left of our glorious art.
Kudos to Shashwat who makes us fall in love with India’s heritage yet again and we surely need to keep alive these architectural marvels of the bygone era. I am especially awestruck by these beautiful colours!!!
The outside world is always charmed by India’s confluence of terrains, colors, and cultures. However, I never imagined that when they talked about colours of India, it also included these architectural marvels and not just the Indian women clad in their bright outfits and festival of colours, Holi.
While Shashwat captures the rich history and old charm, Meghna Saraogi makes even the most unsightly things appear beautiful through her clever clicks. The picture below is a live example.
Meghna Saraogi’s work caught my attention while searching for a graphic designer for some work. Formerly a graphic designer, Meghna is a girl of many talents – photography being one of them. Meghna first discovered her passion for photography when she was undertaking a course in Visual Communication from Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore. Later while working as a graphic designer her random clicks were loved by her clients which were used in their brochures, annual reports, calendars among other things. She has shot for the likes Brazilian Embassy, Dr. Reddy Laboratories and Unitech.
She was chosen amongst 25 young photographers for an exhibition called “Secret Delhi” held at Galeria De Arte at O Palacio, New Delhi and her work has also been exhibited at Gunpowder restaurant, Haus Khas Village, New Delhi.
Photography takes Meghna to a different world, where she can interpret things from a different perspective. Meghna says, “I enjoy clicking pictures, I do it despite a hectic work schedule and when I am enjoying a project, when I am in my singing and dancing mode or I am alone and sad. On my way back home, when I am stuck in traffic or when I see the first ray of sunlight.”
I love how Meghna plays with light and makes the banal look beautiful.
I am for sure enjoying this fantasy (is it still a fantasy? Oh no. I’ve finally broken my shell and shining bright and happy in all these colours,, yay!!!)
It’s time to give the poor computer some rest now, so have a good weekend.
Photo Credit: Sejal Purohit
