How did you work towards being a photographer?

I studied Applied Arts and obtained a degree from Rachna Sansad Academy, which was then in its 2nd year of the newly introduced syllabus for applied arts. In its course it had an option to specialize in photography/ illustration or typography. I opted for my love of the camera. A year in the Foundation course and then three years in Specialization helped me achieve an understanding of the different technical facets of photography. The most invaluable being darkroom theories and practicals, which helped achieve final results. Post getting a degree, I apprenticed with established photographers, who helped me polish my skills and grew know-how of commercial photography and the business. After 2 years of assisting, I was ready to set out on my own.

What are some of the shoots you would count most memorable?

There have been many, but yes, some hold some great memories. The one which comes to my mind was my first ever fashion-feature for Verve magazine. We shot the feature atop a ferry at the Gateway of India. I had the opportunity to work with some fine talent, namely the very dynamic Shilpa Chavan, now known as Little Shilpa, who was styling the shoot. Genius Subhash Vagal was doing the hair and makeup and lastly, my inspiration was the very dignified, the late Nafisa Joseph. Everyone except me on that rocking boat threw up during the shoot - and it turned out to be the most beautiful set of images in my body of work.

Shooting with celebrities is another area of work in my profession. And shooting with Amitabh Bachchan was an experience beyond. I have had the privilege to shoot with the man himself and he leaves you with a feeling of capturing 4 decades of phenomena to treasure for life as a photographer.

If you were not a photographer, what would you be?

I certainly would have kept my brushes and paints to help build a career in the fine arts. I was painting rock band t-shirts for my friends in school and college, as the Indian rock community at that point didn't have access to rock band merchandise. Some of my buddies have kept those t-shirts as memorabilia even today. I would paint Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Sepultura, Metallica, Pink Floyd, Twisted Sisters and various other iconic album covers for Rs. 65/- inclusive of t-shirt costs and paints. The remainder would be invested in buying newly-released albums of rock giants, my personal favourite being AC/DC.

How would you describe your photography style?

Style is an assessment of patrons, I click pictures.

What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?

Follow your passion! Yes that's the only mantra I can share. I get aspiring photographers who come to learn the art and the trade of photography. It is really easy to get caught in the competitiveness of the profession. Which can make you forget the core reason as to why one picked up the camera in the first place. With a fast changing economy and pace of the society a young photographer has to strive that much harder to keep his passion alive in the business. I think what becomes crucial is to have a diverse body of work to help understand what your interests are, which will help you stand out from the cluster.

Here is an evening I would like to share with all young photographers. On a social evening I happened to meet the very enterprising Nirja Shah ,editor/ publisher/producer. She asked me, an aspiring photographer that time, as to what I did. On hearing that I wanted to be photographer she replied by saying that to every 10 photos that you shoot for others make sure nine are for them and one is for yourself.

Ever since, every image that I shoot I think I have ended up shooting all for myself.