Lights, camera, action. That’s what happened last week when the city was decked up like a bride. Well, all that the city had to do is look pretty and sit still. All the action was done by photographers, amateurs, hobby photographers and professionals as they fussed around, clicking away lovingly. There was no reason to not pull out the phone for Instagram clicks and for once the city and the lights were in focus giving a much-needed break to selfie moments.
Some loved the way the pillars of the Metro rail changed colours by night. Some were at a loss of words at the sight of the spectacular fireworks and the rest made a beeline to the Secunderabad Clock Tower to see the old lady don new avatars with each change in 3D light patterns.
Few had anticipated the brilliant lighting effects that inspired many oohs and aahs.
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When news spread rapidly through word of mouth, none wanted to miss the sights. “A friend of mine told me about the illumination at Mecca Masjid in Old City. Till then I was happy clicking photos of the lightsat Tank Bund. I reached Mecca Masjid at 6 pm and couldn’t believe my eyes. I was there till about 11 pm clicking photos of the Charminar, and the Mecca Masjid,” says Prudhvi Chowdary, a software professional.
Together Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Tank bund and Clock Tower probably saw more photographers in the last week than they probably saw in the last few months.
The fireworks at Tank Bund was Pavan Koduru’s muse. “I loved the new perspective of the Charminar as well. Every angle appeared new. I loved the city and its look. It was more than a pretty sight. I will now look forward to such moments,” says Pavan Koduru, a techie
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“What a time it was. I loved the look and just as the city began to look pretty, I started taking photos. The lighting was marvellous. I’ve never seen the city like that before. The day I went to Charminar I returned post midnight, a happy man with a card full of satisfied frames and angles,” recalls Ashwin Kadiyala.
The city of lights changed V.V. Subrahmanyam’s muse for a short while, “My focus was definitely blurred by the lights and instead of wildlife, I found the city irresistible. Now, with the lights gone, I am back to my focus,” laughs Subrahmanyam, a sports journalist.
Can the lights snatch a painter’s brush? “Not forever, but old habits die hard. After attending my painting exhibition at ICCR Gallery, I went clicking photos of the city. If I was working it would be news, now it’s for my muse,” says K. Ramesh Babu, a photo journalist.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever and a short makeover sometimes can do wonders. Agree?