In a bid to portray a diverse narrative of India through pictures, the Forum of Indian Photographers and Artists (FIPA) organised a photography exhibition at Gandhi Art Gallery in New Delhi. Titled ‘Amazing India’, three seasoned photographers, Vimal Mehta, Santosh Kumar and Dinesh Pagaria, displayed their work where the culturally rich heritage of India shone through monuments, landscapes and portraits
“We often find connection among human beings, but I believe there is a connection between man and machine and also man and animal,” said Vimal Mehta, who is a freelance photographer and a leading member of Citizens Film Forum (CFF). One of his photographs showcased children sitting in a dumper and a man feeding deer. Juxtaposing the picture to Lord Shiva, the photographer explained how the God carried Trishul, indicating human connection with machines since time immemorial. He also reminded how Vishwakarma Puja which is a Hindu festival celebrates machines and tools. Further, explaining his series capturing the connection between man and animal, he said, “Our deities are seen mounted on animals. It is a unique feature of our tradition. Man-animal bond is in our ethos.”
An enchanting picture of the iconic Mysuru Palace, sparkling with bulbs and lights, caught one’s attention. Dinesh Pagaraiasaid, “I especially went to Mysuru last year to capture the grand Dussehra celebrations and the massive procession.” He is keen to reflect the composite culture of India and its various festivals through his work. Another photograph of Pagaria that commanded attention was that of a group of women dancing on a boat in a lake, with an illuminated palace in the backdrop. Pagaria informed that he clicked the award winning photograph at the Pichola lake in Udaipur during the Gangaur festival. “Rajasthan is all about royalty, culture, colour and celebration. And the photograph captures these elements.” The photograph has been awarded twice by the IIPC (India International Photography Council).
Amidst the colour and gaiety, a black and white portrait of the charming Simi Garewal stood out.
Santosh Kumar, a founding member of IIPC said, he got the opportunity to photograph the beautiful actress when she was shooting for “Do Boond Paani”, the Khwaja Ahmed Abbas film which released in 1971. “My mentor O.P. Sharma had got the contract for shooting the stills of the film, and I was supporting him.” Kumar, who retired from the Ministry of Defence as senior photographer, has served across the country and his experiences reflected in his work. There were landscapes, portraits and performances. But the one that cast a spell was his series of photographs on Amarnath Yatra, capturing the divine and as well as the human side of the annual event that draws people from different parts of the country.
