I have been a Bengalurean for almost 15 years and have always loved the city. As a photographer, Bengaluru used to be one of the best places to get perfect morning shots, with the sunlight complemented perfectly by the numerous trees that were spread across the city. Neighbourhoods such as Indira Nagar with their leafy avenues made for great locations for photography. That does not hold true anymore.
Rampant urbanisation has meant that the tree cover has gone down considerably. In many parts of the city, old, quaint neighbourhoods have turned into noisy commercial centres. The traffic is getting worse by the day. I feel very sad when I listen to news reports of lakes catching fire because of pollution and the disposal of untreated sewage in the city I call home.
It pains me a lot when other photographers cancel shoots in Bengaluru because they feel that they can no longer get the best shots, due to the rising pollution levels. I feel that it is important that citizens also help in the cleaning up of the city. However, things are not all bad. The weather is still beautiful. Open spaces such as Lalbagh and Cubbon Park still retain their beauty. Cubbon Park is my favourite place in Bengaluru. It retains the old world charm of Bengaluru, is full of trees and open spaces and most importantly, is a great destination to get superb photographs. I conduct all my photography workshops at Cubbon Park. It offers everyone a sanctuary and does not discriminate.
- In Cubbon park, the gardens extend from the central hall of the original Attara Kacheri that houses the Karnataka High Court and runs along the promenade developed symmetrically with avenues, to the Museum building.
I am a big fan of idlis and vadas, dipped in hot sambar at the small Madurai Idly shop in Koramangala. I also like to feast on Malayalee specialities at messes spread out across the city and adore the baos at the Fatty Bao. As someone who loves food, I feel that Bengaluru is packed with a great variety of restaurants -- big and small and has something for everyone. This is a true reflection of the cosmopolitan nature of Bengaluru.
As told to Nikhil Varma
