Making POSITIVES out of NEGATIVES

Countdown to my 2012 Calendar launch has begun...

2012-01-22T13:15:00.003+05:30

Me with Astad Deboo

Our partnership is abt to unfold hrs from now. Looking fwd to http://www.facebook.com/events/329743303714295/

My 2012 Calendar launch

2012-01-21T12:19:00.003+05:30

It gives me immense pleasure to invite you to
my 2012 Calendar launch.
Join us in witnessing a never before JUGALBANDI (Duet)
between the Dancing doyen, Astad Deboo & my photographs
on Sun, Jan 22, 2012, 7.00pm to 9.00pm
at Gallery Art & Soul,
1, Madhuli, Shiv Sagar Estate, Worli, Mumbai - 18 Ph: 022 24965798.
http://www.facebook.com/events/329743303714295/
Looking forward to seeing you there. :-)

Tom Cruise and Me

2011-12-04T12:49:00.003+05:30

Tom Cruise and Me

A week that began with a shoot for British VOGUE, will conclude tonight with an exclusive shoot with Tom Cruise for Paramount Picture's MI4.

From Dada with love...

2011-08-21T12:58:00.005+05:30

One of my priceless possessions... A sketch of me by Samir Chanda (http://www.samirchanda.com/). I am sure, he must be now sitting with the Gods in heaven and redesigning the world for us, sans anger, sans agony, sans envy, sans everything evil.

No words, no pix, no facebook, no twitter, no blog can ever come close to fill Samir Chanda's void. Closest amongst the few, I owe my life to. RIP.

The greatness of this man was not just his brilliance... An epitome of simplicity. Click on the link below to get a glimpse of one of the most humble genius the world has ever known: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150284592449863.349950.696849862

Happy to be a child... :-)

2011-04-11T02:18:00.000+05:30

Happy to be a child and be fooled, than grow up and pretend to be cool. :-)

IPL: I P-refer L-eave :-)

2011-04-07T22:29:00.005+05:30

(L-R) Lalit Modi and Me

IPL: I P-refer L-eave, from Cricket, for some time. :-)

With the IPL starting tomorrow, other than the great Sourav Dada, 2 people will definitely be out of action at this year's IPL - Mr. Lalit Modi & myself. :-)

After 60 days of non-stop madness in the IPL last year and the World Cup this year, decided not to take up the IPL offer that came my way. Overdose of Cricket. In the mood to do some other fun stuff, but cricket, for a change.

Yes! I did hold the World Cup in my hand today.

2011-04-03T21:55:00.003+05:30

I holding onto THE WORLD CUP

Yes! I did hold the World Cup in my hand today.

Thank you Sachin, Dhoni, Yuvraj, Yousuf and the Indian Cricket team for making this miracle happen. :-)

Click on the following link to see what I did with Sachin, Dhoni, Yuvraj, Yousuf and THE WORLD CUP: http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=111423678&EditorialProduct=Sport

Arigatou gozaimasu. ありがとうございます。

2011-03-28T02:21:00.003+05:30

(L-R: Myself, Ryoko Yoshida De, Tarana Khubchandani and Ajay De)

Arigatou gozaimasu. ありがとうございます。 Thank you so much for making the opening of The Japanese Girl - A Pictorial Ode to the Land of the Rising Sun a grand success. Display continues till 06th April 2011 - 11AM to 6PM at Gallery Art & Soul.

Here are some more images from the Opening of the show:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=382328&id=551993135

HaPPy Viewing.

The Japanese Girl - A Pictorial Ode to the Land of the Rising Sun

2011-03-21T16:09:00.001+05:30

(Click to enlarge)

Gallery Art & Soul

presents

The Japanese Girl

A Pictorial Ode to the Land of the Rising Sun

Concept by - Ajay De

Photography - Ritam Banerjee

Featuring - Ryoko Yoshida De

Tuesday 22^nd March 2011, 7 pm

Show opens with the Japanese Tea Ceremony

Display continues till 06^th April 2011

Gallery Art & Soul

1 Madhuli , Shivsagar Estate, Worli, Mumbai 400 018
Tel : 022 - 24965798 / 32536266
Email : galleryartnsoul@gmail.com
Web: www.galleryartnsoul.com

Jitega bhai, jitega… India jitega.

2011-02-18T00:16:00.003+05:30

ICC World Cup 2011 Calendar.
(Click to enlarge)

In a country where Cricket is religion, it feels nice to receive surprises like the one I got just before I left for a warm up World Cup match in Nagpur.

Couple of days ago, I got a sealed white envelope.

You must be wondering what is so surprising about it.

I was wondering too, what the envelope contained, till I opened it.

Eureka! Inside it was the ICC World Cup 2011 Calendar. And, guess what, inside it was my picture.

In the month of April, when the World Cup, would reach the pinnacle of it’s frenzy, my picture of Shivaji Park, where none other than, Sachin Tendulkar first started playing the sport, would stand on the desktop of the cricketing world and salute Mumbai and India, the host of the final of the ICC World Cup 2011.

Jitega bhai, jitega… India jitega. ☺

Taking India to the World in Davos 2011

2011-01-26T15:35:00.004+05:30

At the World Economic Forum on the streets of Davos
(Click to enlarge)

It feels a great sense of pride to be moving around the streets of Devos on our Republic Day and find my photographs and the designs of Horo, my schoolmate, taking ‘India to the World’ at the World Economic Forum.

Indeed heart-warming amidst the drizzling snow.

Jai Hind! :-)

Pooling together for our Incredible India.

2011-01-21T08:18:00.006+05:30

"india !nclusive" at the World Economic Forum 2011 in Davos
(Click to enlarge)

One regular afternoon, I got a phone call.

"Ritam, is that you!" inquired the voice on the other side.

"You are Horo, right?" I exclaimed.

Thus, two long lost friends from school got connected a few years ago.

Horo, runs a design firm in New Delhi and I love to travel and click pictures, in and out of Mumbai, for a living.

School got over and Horo went to the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (NID) and I to Fergusson College, Pune to study Physics with Photography, not realizing that years later, Horo would Google in search of a photographer for an Incredible India Campaign, and accidentally find me.

He did and we met after 16 years of oblivion.

Ever since, the two professionals have collaborated on many interesting projects together.

The latest being this hoarding with the IIMA (Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad) students welcoming the world to the World Economic Forum 2011 in Davos, Switzerland.

We would witness this and more in person soon, as we fly out to Davos to be a part of this global event.

People say, marriages are made in heaven... what about friends! :-)

Mumbai - Kolkata by Road - 'Tok, Jhal, Misti’ (Sour, Hot, Sweet) of an experience...

2010-07-24T12:12:00.005+05:30

Some hoardings of 'Kissan' I had shot for LOWE/Lintas, Mumbai, here in Kolkata
(Click on image to enlarge)

Friday, July 23. ‘City of JOY’ welcomed us home with some of the Giant Hoardings I had shot for LOWE/Lintas, Mumbai, here in Kolkata, last month.

It all started last Sunday, July 18. In total 'John Denver' Mode... 'Country Roads, take me home...' – my journey began. Mumbai - Kolkata by road.

Grey cells regained color. Green, green fields and starry, starry night. Big City blues, what is that! I was on 2,555 Km long 'Country Roads, that was taking me home'.

Night halt: Jalgaon.

Next day, relished Haldiram's Orange barfi from the 'Orange City' of Nagpur. Yes, we did touch the 'Heart of India' (Zero Mile). Retired at Bhandara. 3 days, and 1000km journey was done.

Date: Wed, July 21: 1 day, 3 States - left Maharashtra, crossed Chhattisgarh, reached Orissa. Stop: Sambalpur. 'Red Alert' ahead. Now which way! 'Life is a highway'.

Took the Road less traveled, as always... Avoided the possibility of Maoist ATTACK. Came to CUTTACK.

PURI journey ka mazza "PURI" kay bina, puri kahan say hoti! (The joy of the ride, would have been incomplete without a visit to the city of ‘Puri’).

Destination: Puri. Arrived: MH01 YA 2957. Jai Jagannath! Jai Balaram! Jai Subhodhra!

It had got really dark. Targeted Kharagpur. Decided against it. Night halt at Balasore.

2,555 Km long, Mumbai-Kolkata JOY ride finally concluded last evening.

Needless to say, ‘Tok, Jhal, Misti’ (Sour, hot, sweet) of an experience, indeed!

It’s a ‘Wonderful’ feeling…

2010-06-17T23:19:00.002+05:30

Wonderful Machine, an agency that connects commercial and editorial art buyers with an eclectic mix of high-quality photographers across a broad range of specialties and locations, has featured one of my work on their blog: http://www.wonderfulmachine.com/blog/how-we-help-clients/

It feels nice to see my work being selected from a list of photographers across 50 cities in USA and 50 countries Internationally.

The only other Indian photographer in their list is Mr. Suresh Natarajan, an artist whom I have been looking up to even before I had held an SLR camera in my hand.

Good feeling indeed. Cheers to that!

On this happy note, wish you guys a ‘Wonderful’ weekend ahead. :-)

All that's 'Good' is on the 'House' for 'keeps'.:-)

2010-06-15T23:42:00.013+05:30

Some of the 'Good Housekeeping' Magazine covers I shot
(click to enlarge)

All that's 'Good' is on the 'House' for 'keeps'... Good people, good times, good memories.

Shooting 'Good Housekeeping' covers has always been fun. It has brought me face to face with some of the most beautiful women in the Indian history. This is something that the world can see. But, what the world can’t, are two beautiful young women, who have always stood, behind me, and my camera, to bring out all that is beautiful, in these images. Rima and Daena.

Hours from now, we would be shooting our last 'Good Housekeeping' cover together. Rima is moving on from being the Beauty Editor of 'Good Housekeeping' magazine to creating something that’s the most beautiful of them all. She is about to becoming a mother.

May the arrival of the new one, ‘keep’ Rima’s ‘house’ not just ‘good’, but the best, forever. :-)

Welcome to the 'City of Dreams'...

2010-05-12T10:23:00.003+05:30

Mumbai Domestic Airport
(Pic courtesy Tarana Khubchandani of Gallery Art & Soul)
Images from my series "Mumbai: the city that talks to me".
(Click to enlarge)

The moment you arrive at the Kingfisher terminal, to collect your baggage, these images of Mumbai, welcomes you to the 'City of Dreams'.

I came to this city just over a decade ago. And even before I realized, she adopted me like a child, selflessly, to nurture my dreams of becoming a photographer.

These images, are my way of saying thank you, to the city that continues to welcome every dreamer into her arms, to make all our dreams come true.

Breathtaking indeed...

2010-04-17T10:01:00.002+05:30

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
(Click image to enlarge)

Breathtaking indeed... the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, that hosted its first match, between Deccan Chargers and King's XI Punjab, during the 2010 DLF Indian Premier League T20.

The view from the field did take our breath away.

I was clean bowled.

See it, to believe it!

Cricket in the clouds...

2010-04-16T12:47:00.003+05:30

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

The match between Deccan Chargers and King's XI Punjab begins in hours from now at the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium.

Can't wait to go down there.

The view from the field would take our breath away, I reckon.

Cricket in the clouds, indeed. :-)

‘Cricket ka Hungama’ in the Land of the Lamas…

2010-04-15T09:33:00.003+05:30

The flight that got us here.

Since the day, IPL T20 Cricket began, over a month ago, Hamish, Julian and myself have been eagerly looking forward to this day, April 14, 2010.

The day arrived and so we did, to cover cricket, amidst the picturesque mountain ranges, caressing a stadium, in the heart of Dharamsala.

Finally, we are in the Land of Dalai Lama.

After a wonderful meal at Nick's Restaurant, followed by bottles of Apple Cider, we retired amidst the woods, under the stars, at Glenmoor Cottage, Mcleodganj. This is indeed bliss, if not Nirvana.

Needless to say, our trip has just begun.

‘Cricket ka Hungama’ in the Land of the Lamas… Couldn’t have asked for more, could we!

Tiger tiger burning bright...

2010-04-12T12:11:00.002+05:30

(Click image to enlarge)

Tiger tiger burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry? …
(from ‘The Tiger’ by William Blake)

Taking a break, for a couple of days, from the IPL T20 Cricket and meeting a tigress from the 1411 left in the wild, was quite an experience, indeed.

Within minutes, from the time we entered the jungle of Indira Priadarshani Tiger Reserve at Pench, she welcomed us to her dwelling. The beautiful beast greeted us, Hamish, Julian, my photographer colleagues from Getty images, and me, as if with a 'Hello'.

Let me share with you some of the pictures that I took, when she majestically posed for us, in all her glory. I know, no picture can do justice to her colossal presence. But, this is the best I can do, as a photographer, to bring you as close to our chance encounter with our majestic national animal.

TIMEless influence

2010-04-03T01:42:00.004+05:30

Rated Shah Rukh Khan 100 @time http://tinyurl.com/y8pxpft

A guy comes to the city of dreams with only Rupees Fifteen Thousand and becomes 'King Khan'.

He never count his countless successes, but only hates failures, so much, that he doesn't shy away from confessing on twitter, that he went & voted for himself on the Time poll 2010 for the most influential people in the world, though he can't influence his kids to sleep.

I felt, it's reason enough to vote for him, and rate him amongst the most influential people in the world. So I did.

It is not the person but the way he thinks, that makes us think, the way we do.

Indeed, he is the epitome of conviction, honesty and hard work.

'Making Positives out of Negatives', always.

Needless to say, a TIMEless influence on the way I think.

A Happy Coincidence

2010-03-31T13:56:00.004+05:30

Outlook (March 15, 2010 Edition)

Not too often, my sister, Soity and I, have had a chance to stay together.

She lives in Delhi, and I in Mumbai.

Often our job takes us places, literally, as she works with a travel magazine, and I as a photographer, yet, seldom do our paths cross.

But, as luck would have it, and a coincidence, as happy as it could be, brought us together, in quite an uncanny way.

The other day, 'Outlook' magazine carried her travel stories (one of which was ironically titled, "Path Not Taken") on the left and photographs of mine shot for the 'Incredible India' campaigns, on the right hand pages, and brought us together, thus.

A happy coincidence indeed. :-)

IPL Buzz...

2010-03-26T11:32:00.004+05:30

Guardian, UK

The media across the globe is talking about the INDIAN Premier League. It feels nice when the world talks about things Indian... And the INDIAN me feels even nicer to see his pictures being used for the same, often. :-)

A pleasant surprise

2010-03-24T16:04:00.004+05:30

CineBlitz (March 2010 Issue)

Just the other day, a childhood friend from school, sent me this message on Facebook:

Shrikant Nair: was on aflight and was thumbing thru cineblitz.. and saw ur pic in it along with the sinhas... great going boss.

The very next day, I stumbled upon it on a flight.

Indeed, it was quite a pleasant surprise, especially when, a small reference to my Calendar launch, in a magazine, got two friends in touch with each other, after ages.

My IPL so far

2010-03-16T03:50:00.003+05:30

My IPL so far. Click the link below to view the pix:

http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&assetType=image&p=Ritam%20Banerjee-IPL%202010

IPL has began for me.

2010-03-12T11:09:00.003+05:30

IPL has began for me.

Shot Sachin, Saurav, Shahrukh, Lalit Modi, Mukesh Ambani, Lara, Akon, amongst others.

Here is one photograph in a UK daily, from the set of pictures published globally.

By the PEOPLE, of the PEOPLE, for the PEOPLE

2010-02-17T02:12:00.002+05:30

PEOPLE Magazine (Feb 26, 2010 Edition).
Story: Nida Umerjee Photography: Jitendra Bhagat & Kirti Surve Parade

Here is the making of Our Calendar with PASSAGES (NGO working for Breast Cancer Awareness),

by the PEOPLE,
of the PEOPLE,
for the PEOPLE.

Thank you to all you wonderful PEOPLE, who worked, behind the scene, with me, to create images that would remind PEOPLE, the year around, to take care of themselves and their near and dear ones.

Thank you PEOPLE Magazine, for taking the message further, to the world of many many more extraordinary PEOPLE, with extraordinary stories.

Kala Ghoda 2010 Goodbye!

2010-02-15T10:21:00.003+05:30

My Works on display at the David Sassoon Library

One of the most well known Art Fest in the country, The Kala Ghoda Festival, came to a close last evening.

For those of you who missed it, here is a glimpse of some of my work which were on display at the mega Art extravaganza.

Happy Valentine's Day.

2010-02-14T09:28:00.004+05:30

Mid Day, 14th February 2010

Hate none, love all...

Buddha said..only the dead see the end of war. lets us live & let live for life's sake, 'Happily Ever After...'

Happy Valentine's Day.

Pune my prayers are with you.

Calendar Launch Pic

2010-02-08T03:29:00.004+05:30

Ritam Banerjee, Taran Khubchandani, Sonakshi Sinha, Shatrughan and Poonam Sinha

Stumbled upon this pic from our calendar launch while browsing the net. Thought it would be nice to share it with you. :-)

2010-02-06T10:15:00.012+05:30

The 'Calendar for a cause' featuring Sonakshi Sinha... here it is. Limited edition would be for sale from today, 6th, Feb, 2010 to 14th, Feb, 2010 at the Kala Ghoda Festival. All proceeds from sales would go into purchasing chemo drugs for breast cancer patients. :-)

David Sassoon Library, which houses one of the oldest living Library and Reading rooms in use in Mumbai, would also be hosting an exhibition of some of my works from today, 6th, Feb, 2010 to 14th, Feb, 2010 at the Kala Ghoda Festival.

Do come and have a 'dekho'.

Design Today - January 2010

2010-02-05T12:58:00.009+05:30

Design Today - January 2010

People have been kind enough to talk about "Mumbai: The City that talks to me", my last solo show, till very recently.

My next show opens tomorrow, 6th Feb, 2010 at the 'Kala Ghoda Festival', Mumbai. It would be on till 14th, Feb, 2010.

My Calendar with PASSAGES (An NGO working relentlessly, for over a decade now, on 'Breast Cancer Awareness'), featuring Sonakshi Sinha, would also be on sale at the festival.

You are cordially invited. :-)

Bombay Times - 4th Feb, 2010

2010-02-04T12:04:00.004+05:30

Bombay Times - 4th Feb, 2010

Thank you Bombay Times for being a part of the cause.

Years ago, I lost my Grandmother to Breast Cancer, and it is still spreading, at an alarming rate. Stop. Please take care of yourself and your family, before it finds its next pray.

Kudos to Tarana, Simran and their sincerely dedicated team, PASSAGES (NGO), the 150 esteemed Indian Artists, who have contributed to the currently running, 'Journey V', Dr. Vijay Haribhakti & Tarana for penning the second edition of the book, 'Whispering Hope', Sonakshi for being 'Woman of Substance' of our Calendar, Arzan and Seema for designing the wonderful diaries, and all of you for extending your selfless benevolence to the noble cause.

Come let us strengthen the 'Power of PINK'.

Bombay Times - 2nd Feb, 2010

2010-02-03T12:46:00.002+05:30

Bombay Times - 2nd Feb, 2010

Media has often been kind to me. They are nice enough to observe the good around and talk about them with the world.

Sometimes, though they forget to publish my picture, they make it a point to showcase, all the, not just better looking, but amazingly wonderful people around, who make my world a beautiful place to live in.

Thank you Bombay Times. :-)

Hit... The Calendar, the event and most importantly the gathering supporting the cause.

2010-02-01T00:27:00.001+05:30

Hit. Thank u wonderful ppl for supporting the cause. :-)

The Calendar for a Cause' is about to get unveiled...

2010-01-31T08:51:00.000+05:30

Hours from now, 'The Calendar for a Cause' is about to get unveiled amidst the works of 150 Masters of Indian Art. :-)

In just over 24 hours from now...

2010-01-30T11:36:00.000+05:30

In just over 24 hours from now... ‘The Calendar for a Cause’ would be unveiled for the world to see. Butterflies have already started to flutter in the stomach, in anticipation. :-)

We SHOT n had FUN with the Jr. SHOTGUN...

2010-01-29T11:06:00.005+05:30

Sonakshi and Me

My Team

We SHOT n had FUN with the Jr. SHOTGUN... Sonakshi is a darling & so is my team. :-)

31st January 2010: Launch of ‘The Calendar for a Cause’

2010-01-28T14:01:00.002+05:30

Conceived and Produced by RITAM BANERJEE PHOTOGRAPHY

featuring SONAKSHI SINHA
for
PASSAGES MEDICINE BANK

The countdown continues with every passing day… 28… 29… 30...

31st January 2010: Launch of ‘The Calendar for a Cause’. :-)

Our 'Incredible India' talks to the world from Davos, Switzerland, at the World Economic Forum starting today.

2010-01-27T10:20:00.003+05:30

Our 'Incredible India' (My Photograph) talks to the world from Davos, Switzerland, at the World Economic Forum starting today.

It also appears as a half page advt in Financial Times Special Report on India & Globalisation to be circulated worldwide today.

Countdown begins...

2010-01-25T20:32:00.000+05:30

After being d only Official IPL Photographer,time 2 launch my 2nd Calendar in 2010.1st being d "Incredible India"Calendar.Countdown begins...

NATIONAL AWARD for SOCIAL JUSTICE and CITIZEN ACTION

2009-12-05T17:44:00.003+05:30

Awarded the ART CITIZENS KARAMVEER PURASHKAR, 2009 - NATIONAL AWARD for SOCIAL JUSTICE and CITIZEN ACTION by iCONGO in New Delhi

Dainik Jagran (21 Nov, 2009)

2009-12-05T17:26:00.004+05:30

Dainik Jagran (21 Nov, 2009):
L-R: Me, Jackie Shroff, Baba (Dad), Ma (Mom)

Amelia's Magazine

2009-11-28T17:09:00.002+05:30

Amelia's Magazine

OUTLOOK Profit (11 December 2009)

2009-11-28T15:00:00.005+05:30

OUTLOOK Profit (11 December 2009)

'Karmaveer Puraskar', the National Award for Social Justice & Citizen Action.

2009-11-26T10:16:00.002+05:30

Today, I would be receiving the 'Karmaveer Puraskar', the National Award for Social Justice & Citizen Action. 26/11 would be another humbling experience.

There's so much more to Mumbai than just 26/11

2009-11-26T10:10:00.003+05:30

Bombay Times 26/11 2009

Friends are forever.

2009-11-24T13:47:00.003+05:30

Bombay Times (24 November, 2009)

DNA AFTERhrs - 21st Nov 2009

2009-11-21T08:31:00.002+05:30

DNA AFTERhrs - 21st Nov 2009

DNA AFTERhrs - 21st Nov 2009: Thank you for making my show opening a hit wih your presence. Today's DNA AFTERhrs 'partying shot' last (VI) page says it all. And those of you who couldn't make it, plz do come and enjoy the exhibition. It's on till Dec 2nd, 2009 from 10.30AM to 7.00PM @ Gallery Art & Soul, Worli, Mumbai.

Bombay Times (20 Nov, 2009)

2009-11-20T08:18:00.000+05:30

Bombay Times (20 Nov, 2009)

Thank you everyone for a Grand opening of my Solo Show

2009-11-20T07:27:00.000+05:30

Thank You everyone, those who came and those who couldn't, for even if you couldn't come, I am certain, your wishes did, or else the opening couldn't have rocked as much. The celebration of "Mumbai: the city that talks to me" continues till December 2nd, 2009 @ Gallery Art & Soul, Worli, Mumbai, India from 10.30AM to 7PM. Come be a part of the beautiful Mumbai. :-)

Hindusthan Times (Main Edition, Nov 19, 2009 - Pg 2)

2009-11-19T11:52:00.002+05:30

Hindusthan Times (Main Edition, Nov 19, 2009 - Pg 2)

My Solo Photography Exhibition opens at 6:30PM (to 9.00PM) today @ Gallery Art & Soul, Worli, Mumbai, India.

2009-11-19T08:47:00.001+05:30

10... 9... 8... 7... 6.30... Yes the countdown has began...
“Mumbai: the city that talks to me” - My Solo Photography Exhibition opens at 6:30PM (to 9.00PM) today @ Gallery Art & Soul, Worli, Mumbai, India.

C U there. :-)

DNA AFTERhrs - 19th Nov 2009

2009-11-19T08:46:00.002+05:30

DNA AFTERhrs - 19th Nov 2009

Indian Express-Nov 14, 2009

2009-11-19T02:20:00.001+05:30

(Indian Express-Nov 14, 2009)

Verve Magazine (November 2009)

2009-11-17T22:43:00.002+05:30

Verve Magazine (November 2009).

DNA After Hrs (16 Nov 2009)

2009-11-16T14:11:00.002+05:30

DNA After Hrs (16 Nov 2009)

Asian Age (The Age - 16 Nov 2009)

2009-11-16T14:09:00.001+05:30

Asian Age (The Age - 16 Nov 2009)

Afternoon Despatch & Courier (13 Nov 2009)

2009-11-16T14:08:00.002+05:30

Afternoon Despatch & Courier (13 Nov 2009)

The Indian Express MUMBAI Newsline (12 Nov 2009)

2009-11-16T14:06:00.001+05:30

The Indian Express MUMBAI Newsline (12 Nov 2009)

“Mumbai: the city that talks to me” - My Solo Photography Exhibition

2009-11-16T08:56:00.005+05:30

All of you are coordially invited to
my Solo Show -

“mumbai: the city that talks to me”

a photographic tribute to

the city of dreams

Ritam Banerjee

Thursday, November 19, 2009.

6:30 – 9.00 PM.

(Photographs will be on display till

Wednesday, December 2, 2009.)

Gallery Art & Soul
1 Madhuli , Shiv Sagar Estate, Worli,
Mumbai 400 018.
Tel : 022 - 24965798 / 32536266
Email : galleryartnsoul@gmail.com
Web: www.galleryartnsoul.com

MUMBAI
The city that talks to me

This city talks to me in different ways. It always has. But for a while now, I had stopped listening. In the rattle of the taxi rides, the hum of phone calls and the silent chaos at shoots and coffee shops, I had closed my eyes to the Mumbai I knew so well… It took a paralyzing siege – an absurd gouging of history by terror – to force me to look again, harder.

I had a ringside view of 26/11. I watched the dome light up, heard the endless rounds of gunshots and met the living corpses in the hospitals. And yet in the line of duty, there’s no room for emotion. Numbed by practice, I stood unmoved by my own images that moved many in faraway continents.

But this is not about 26/11. It’s about Mumbai. It’s about hope. It’s about spirit. It’s about that December night when sixty odd hours of non-stop madness was finally put to an end and I looked out of my window to thank the stars, only to find a ‘Smiling Sky’ greeting me. A crescent-shaped moon with Jupiter and Venus twinkling on either side as if to say, it can only get better from here on.

These images are my way of saying thank you. My way of reconnecting with – touching, feeling, embracing – a city that has shared my life for a decade now. A doffing of my hat to the Mumbai that gives a man his spine and makes him a part of its thriving reality. An attempt to capture the city in abstraction, in fun, in hidden levity. A picking up of unfinished conversation, long overdue. Mumbai can laugh at itself. It can look unfamiliarly familiar even to a lens that sees it every single day. It can play peek-a-boo like a truant child.

Life, people, time, roads, sea, trains, bridges, buy, sell, sleep, wake, hush, laughter, run, stop… Mumbai rocks. Mumbai smiles. And so do I.

Me in 'Picture Perfect' show on NDTV Good Times

2009-10-29T18:17:00.003+05:30

Me in 'Picture Perfect' show on NDTV Good Times

"Picture Perfect" in NDTV Good Times

2009-10-15T11:43:00.003+05:30

Last Night at 10.30PM IST, I was on "Picture Perfect" in NDTV Good Times. Lots of my friends called up to say, they missed it and wished to know when could they see it again. For those of you who missed my show last night, catch me if you can on "Picture Perfect" in NDTV GoodTimes on the following dates and time.

Thu 15 Oct 09 - 2.30 pm IST
Fri 16 Oct 09 - 06.30 pm IST
Sat 17 Oct 09 - 05.00 am & 08.30 pm IST
Sun 18 Oct 09 - 05.00 pm IST
Mon 19 Oct 09 - 00.00 am & 01.30 pm IST
Tue 20 Oct 09 - 04.30 am IST
Wed 21 Oct 09 - 05.00 pm IST

Happy Viewing.

'Better' 'Times' to 'Smart' Photography.

2009-09-30T02:33:00.006+05:30

It’s been ten long years since I had been a part of a photography magazine.

In the year 1999-2000, I used to take care of ‘Better Photography’ and write columns for ‘The Times Journal of Photography’.

Today, I got featured in ‘Smart Photography’. (Click images to enlarge)

Is this what’s called, ‘Completing a cycle’ or is it ‘The beginning of a new journey’!

Picking up the October issue of India’s Number 1 Imaging Magazine, in my hand, this evening was quite a déjà vu.

It was under Khushroo and Mr. Billimoria, my life began as a professional in Mumbai (then Bombay), after college, way back in May 1999, and today getting featured in a magazine, which is published by Khushroo and edited by Mr. Billimoria, is simply nostalgic.

I am touched. Thank you Mathew for doing this piece on me and bringing back sweet memories of the wonder years that was nothing but wonderful.

My interview in 'Chic Today'

2009-09-21T00:15:00.021+05:30

Yes, I know I have been away from you my beloved 'Digital Dairy'. Believe you me, I was not neglecting you, I was simply busy.

To compensate for my absence, here is an interview of mine in a London based magazine, 'Chic Today'.

More interviews coming in soon. Would keep you posted for sure.

Till then, happy reading. :-) [Click on the pages/images above to enlarge. ]

The link to the Magazine's site is: http://magazine.chictoday.com/issue026/indianinfusion/indianinfusion.php

Thank You My Teacher. :-)

2009-09-05T13:43:00.004+05:30

Thank you for helping me to read,
Thank you for holding my hand, so that I could write.
Thank you for taking me away, from the darkness of ignorance,
Thank you for showing me the knowledge, that lights.

Thank you for guiding me
To understand the world.
Thank you for steering me to become this big,
Even when I was so small.

Thank you
For you have taught me something too.
Everyday is a learning experience,
And someone like you, teaches me something new.

Thank you everyone for helping me
To choose the right from the wrong.
Thank you for knowledge is power
And that’s what makes us strong.

Thank You My Teacher.

Wish you a very Happy Teachers Day. :-)

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi.

2009-08-23T19:00:00.003+05:30

Wish you all a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesha Festival.

It is on this day, Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is believed to have bestowed his presence on earth for all his devotees.

To celebrate the arrival of the Lord, I share with you his image, I created by drawing his form in thin air, in pitch darkness with a pencil torch light. This photographic technique is known as 'Light Painting'#.

# Light painting, also known as light drawing or light graffiti is a photographic technique in which exposures are made usually at night or in a darkened room by moving a hand-held light source or by moving the camera. In many cases the light source itself does not have to appear in the image (like the torch used to create this image is not to be seen in it). The term light painting also encompasses images lit from outside the frame with hand-held light sources.

A very Happy 'World Photography Day'!

2009-08-19T00:39:00.006+05:30

Those are me taking pictures. (Click on the image to enlarge.) :-)

Picture me taking pictures... I lie down on the feet of a monk to get a picture, I hang myself out of a moving Mercedes to take a picture, I indulge in fights with some innocent warriors to capture their bright faces in my picture, I even have a conversation with Donald Duck, "Oh, yeah?" "Hiya, toots!" "Aw, phooey!" "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!" "Nothin' to it!" to create my world full of pictures.

Hence, just couldn't find a better way to wish you all a very Happy 'World Photography Day' than through the pictures of me taking pictures.

For those of you who are academically inclined and don't have the inclination to go back to one of my earlier posts, I would like you to also know, in case you already didn't, that 'On 19th August 1839, Arago made a presentation to the French Academies des Sciences and Beaux Arts, and described in great details the photography process invented by Daguerre. The French Government bought the process and presented it to the world on this day. The presentation discussed the evolution of Photography, predicted its brilliant future and the French Government having bought the process, offered its free use to the world. In an effort to establish permanent recognition for photographers on this historical date of August 19th, this day has been designated as 'World Photography Day'.

Happy Shooting. :-)

Jai Hind!

2009-08-15T02:11:00.004+05:30

Wish you all A Very Happy 62nd Indian Independence Day.

Jai Hind!

Happy Friendship Day. :-)

2009-08-02T11:42:00.003+05:30

When you have a problem in your life, never say, "HEY FRIEND, I HAVE A PROBLEM", always say, "HEY PROBLEM, I HAVE A FRIEND". :-)

Sky is the Limit

2009-07-27T21:16:00.003+05:30

The Bandra-Worli Sea link (Mumbai, India)

A couple of days back an assignment put me on Cloud 9...

Aerial Photography is truly elating. How about letting the picture speak for itself.

‘Raining’ Knowledge.

2009-07-15T17:33:00.003+05:30

My phone rang and I woke up with a start.

Rima, the Beauty Editor of 'Cosmopolitan' and 'Good Housekeeping' (Magazines) had called.

Thanks to the incessant rain through the night, commuting to the studio seemed precarious. And Rima had to call it a day even before it began.

Thus, the ‘Beauty Shoot’ scheduled for the day got cancelled. We would shoot tomorrow, unless the Rain God decides to think otherwise.

Jobless, as I stood at my door, facing the streets, I wondered what next, only to find two souls, braving the odds, in pursuit of wisdom and knowledge.

The very sight of a middle-aged gentleman striding to the temple, and a young boy marching to school, steps away, prompted me to run inside and grab my camera.

Click! Click!

Two ‘beautiful moments’ got framed and with it a new realization dawned.

Eureka! I discovered the “Three ‘P’s of Photography”…

P for Perception -
‘Beauty Shoot’ or otherwise, ‘Beauty’, simply lies in the eyes of the beholder.

P for Patience -
Had I lost my mind at the cancellation of the shoot, would I have been able to capture such moments ever!

P for Perseverance -
It was only the perseverance of my two subjects, to fight the odds and move ahead, that taught me to create pictures and not depend on shoots to happen.

Life itself is such a 'Beauty'. Do we still need a 'Beauty Shoot' to pick up the camera and press the shutter? ☺

Mera Bharat Mahan (My India is Great)

2009-07-11T00:19:00.009+05:30

I shot on the River Ganges (Ganga), in West Bengal, India.

Celebrating the joy of 1,166,050,000# Indian Hearts beating together on “World Population Day”.

I am proud to be a part of a country with the most number of hearts… well, almost*!

Come let us all unite, with all our hearts, in rejoicing the indomitable spirit of every beating heart.

‘Jai Ho!’ (‘May you be victorious’)

Truly, Population like ours isn't a very happy scene. So many of us are there. How about spreading the awareness in the right direction using the strength of our numbers?

* In terms of population we are only behind China.
# Estimated by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs – Population Division (July 1, 2009).

2009-07-10T21:42:00.000+05:30

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From ‘No Money’ to ‘Harmony’

2009-07-08T16:35:00.000+05:30

Mohammad Azaruddin in his new home, "Harmony"
(I shot yesterday for Getty Images).

People often ask me who inspires me.

I say, “Life”… people, places and everything in-between.

Yesterday was one such inspiring day that showed me what all life has to offer.

A day when a 'Slumdog' celebrated his new home, another, (born as one, in a humble dwelling in Gary, Indiana, fifty years ago), left behind all his worldly possessions, he had earned in the last forty stupendous years of his life, NEVER to LAND back to them again.

The former moved from the shanties of ‘Garib Nagar’ (which in Hindi simply means ‘the place of the poor and the downtrodden’) to a fully furnished flat minutes away from Mumbai’s domestic airport, and the latter, finally bid adieu to all that’s worldly, at the grandest Public Memorial Service the world has ever seen.

I saw one grow, right in front of my eyes, from the ‘Garib Nagar’ slums to ‘Harmony’ (the name of the flat he has earned from the 'Jai Ho' Trust, in one of the most expensive cities of the world), while the other’s priceless, meaningful harmonies made me grow into an artist, from afar.

May these pretty pictures of Mohammad Azaruddin, the young “Slumdog Millionaire” Star, and the momentous words of Michael Jackson ‘For You And For Me’, inspire us all, forever. ☺

“There's A Place In
Your Heart
And I Know That It Is Love
And This Place Could
Be Much
Brighter Than Tomorrow
And If You Really Try
You'll Find There's No Need
To Cry
In This Place You'll Feel
There's No Hurt Or Sorrow

There Are Ways
To Get There
If You Care Enough
For The Living
Make A Little Space
Make A Better Place...

Heal The World…”

(Lyrics from Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World”.)

Stranded amidst the Best of Both Worlds.

2009-07-04T22:00:00.001+05:30

The Mumbai monsoons have finally arrived and how! It’s been raining cats and dogs. The water clogging on the roads, thanks to the heavy downpour, confined me within the four walls of my office today.

No matter, how depressing it may sound, reality was otherwise. I was right in the middle of “the Best of Both Worlds”.

How?

These pictures taken from exactly opposite sides of my workspace says it all, doesn’t it!

Sometimes, it’s great to be stranded, especially when you are amidst “the Best of Both Worlds”, what say? ☺

Welcome to Mumbai's Newest LANDmark on the SEA.

2009-07-02T02:53:00.000+05:30

Bandra-Worli Sea Link Shot a while back.

The much awaited Mumbai's Newest Landmark on the Sea is finally open to the public. It's the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.

The stretch promised to be a 7 minute ride. Alas! it turned out to be 2 and a half hours instead, and that too post midnight, thanks to the enthusiasm of my fellow Mumbaikars, who like me, just couldn't resist their urge to check out this new architectural marvel and thronged the bridge over the Arabian Sea, resulting in a huge traffic jam.

Almost a decade ago, I was commissioned to shoot the Indian National Congress and the Democratic Front's Election Campaign. It was during then, that I was told to shoot this Bridge, which only comprised of some naked pillars over the sea. Needless to say, all the other shots happened but this didn't. Dumb as it may sound today, but for me, it was a reality... An assignment to shoot a subject that didn't exist.

Finally it's here and I went on a drive. Kudos! It was worth all the wait.

I am talking to the “Man in the Mirror”.

2009-07-01T02:34:00.000+05:30

Superstar ... Or Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody! (Some moods of Shah Rukh that I had tried to catch.)

I was looking at my bearded face in the mirror while brushing my teeth, early this morning, when I was reminded that the “Man in the Mirror” is being reported to be the most downloaded iTune since Michael Jackson passed away.

I looked at myself again, only to realize that the day would be no different. I had some meetings lined up for the day. I felt I had just become a pendulum oscillating between meetings and shootings.

Everyday, I meet somebody. And everybody I meet is excited to do something… Something that could be anything... Anything that anybody could do… But when it finally comes to doing it, more often than not, nobody does anything and everybody ends up pointing their fingers at somebody, who could be anybody but themselves.

This reminded me of this little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.

In the end, Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

The only way I could make it different was by being different in my thinking and working on my thinking. I headed straight to the barbershop. Got a haircut and a clean shave. In today’s times of Tetra Packaging, “Jo dikhta hai, wohi bikhta hai” (what is seen, is what sells).

Old wine in a new bottle… Packaging complete. Marketing begins.

Life itself is such a beautiful mirror, effortlessly showing us what we are, when we are struggling to look at others. Do we still need to struggle!

Today, I have some more meetings and tomorrow, I am shooting again. :-)

Wish Heaven Could Truly Wait, Michael. :-(

2009-06-26T11:15:00.000+05:30

Wish Heaven Could Truly Wait, Michael. :-(

Tribute to the Icon of Color Film Photography, Kodachrome.

2009-06-24T01:26:00.001+05:30

Making positives out of negatives is slowly moving towards extinction in the world of photography with the digital medium slowly but surely killing the film fraternity.

For someone like me whose wonder years revolved around only films in his early days in the world of photography, it’s disheartening to say the least.

Today another favorite film of mine is becoming the casualty to the needs of the instant digital imaging world. Kodacrome would be no more. A film, which won many a laurels in its 74 years of life in the photography world, is now going out of production.

A film which was the world’s first commercially successful color film that promised every photography lover rich yet realistic tones, vibrant colors and durability, would now only be seen in the history of photography books as Kodak has declared the end of it’s production henceforth.

Here through one of my colorful Kodak moments I pay my humble tribute to the icon, Kodachrome.

Should Everyone Sell Potatoes?

2009-06-19T00:49:00.000+05:30

Bollywood Film Actor, Mithun Chakraborty in the mirror, amidst hundreds of onlookers at a film shoot in West Bengal, India

In a vegetable market, there is a row of potato stalls. So, everyone is content eating just potatoes in that town. One day, a man starts selling oranges in the market. Now, the town has two options: reject the oranges or start eating them on special occasions.

As an artist, your primary aim is to create a label and market for your work. To sell potatoes and oranges are both intelligent. Yet, we cannot gauge how the market would react. In markets, if every formula can be right, then which one do we choose and execute? This entirely depends on one’s relationship with their art.

Art, personally, is my interpretation of the world. My photography is what I wish to keep of this world and what I wish to give back to it. The smartest thing is probably to be entering the mainstream market, because it is secure, and filled with brilliant people. It is also a market an artist cannot ignore, due to survival and interest.

So, I do work for my work, with all interest. But, independently I try to carve out my niche, my language of images. Because, as a photographer, if I fail to do this, how would I discover the artist within!

Before, one wants to create and sell, the choice between niche markets and mass markets have to be made. One can sell the potatoes quite comfortably. And, one can struggle to make oranges popular. Both are different, but to be confused and regret a choice is a big mistake. To grow as an artist, one must know where his art works, whatever be his objective – to disturb, to comfort, to start revolutions or to sell. So, sell potatoes if you have to and don’t ridicule it, but if oranges excite you more, then don’t give up your chances of finding a way to sell them too.

Back to School

2009-06-13T17:50:00.000+05:30

It has taken me a long time to flesh out this blogger in me. There was a lot I had to catch up with blogging before I plunged into it. However, this is very interesting, because this place allows me to share and interact with a variety of persons.

Today, I have been given yet another opportunity to interact with people, especially, students. I am looking forward to teaching and conducting workshops with them. Not simply to share, but to know. Younger minds have fresher perspectives, ideas and questions. Hopefully, I will be exposed to some of these minds and learn more by teaching them.

It is the student in me who is extremely eager about these new ventures. After all, learning and the want to learn are never ending. This is why we change, emote, ignore, or interact. We all are, primarily, students, aren’t we!

The Right Way or The Left Way?

2009-06-09T23:00:00.000+05:30

"Alan Parsons' Project" concert in Mumbai.

An artist often forgets that he needs to buy his paints and the businessman often forgets to enjoy a colour. Why so?

It is understood, that there are two sides to the brain – right (creative) and left (analytical). Due to our lifestyles, and experiences, certain attributes get stronger in certain people. Good artists and businessmen will focus only on their strengths. However, only those who can balance creativity and business acumen achieve the extra mile, reaching the stars.

There is enough material in bookstores about boosting creativity or business acumen. However, there is no taught way to achieve equilibrium; this happens only through asking questions.

Art…has only been a personal question. It has fed my growth as an independent photographer. But, I’ve had my doubts if my financial growth was going the ‘right’ way.

So, in search of an expert, I met a senior banker, who ended up coaching me for two hours about accounting. Thankfully, finance is a harder subject with readymade answers.

I haven’t yet achieved any form of equilibrium. It will be a slow balancing act from here on – the middle path to growth, I guess.

Face is the index of the Mind

2009-06-06T15:13:00.000+05:30

CHANDAN ROY SANYAL, TIM SUPPLE'S A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM ACTOR, VERVE MAGAZINE

I believe everything is connected. Even agony and ecstasy. Yet, everyone needs to be free within to go all out.

I try not to carry my worries with me. I’m sure, neither do you!

A friend of mine, a model, is juggling domestic and professional responsibilities. She desired to do a photo shoot, but only after losing a few pounds around her waist. We had a small conversation about our choices and dreams, only to discover that the weight was less on the waist and more in the head…a waste of sheer beauty. The face is the index of the mind, after all.

This reminds me of a beautiful Zen story...

The River

Two Zen monks, Tanzan and Ekido, traveling on pilgrimage, came to a muddy river crossing. There they saw a lovely young beautiful woman trying to cross the river. Tanzan gracefully picked her up, held her close to him, and carried her across the muddy river. Then the monks continued on their way. Hours later they found themselves at a lodging temple. And here Ekido could no longer restrain himself and gushed forth his complaints: “Surely, it is against the rules what you did back there…. Touching a woman is simply not allowed…. How could you have done that? … And to have such close contact with her! … This is a violation of all monastic protocol…” thus he went on. Tanzan listened patiently to the accusations. Finally, during a pause, he said, “Look, I set that girl down back at the crossing. Are you still carrying her?” (Based on an autobiographical story by Japanese master Tanzan, 1819-1892)

Conversations...

2009-06-04T19:50:00.000+05:30

SHOT FOR DELOITTE'S INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL REPORT 2008 - DELOITTE PARTNER MR. VENKATRAM AND TATA STEEL CFO MR. KAUSHIK CHATERJEE

Meetings are a part of my day, be it with a model or a CEO of a company. I meet random people. Engage in unexpected conversations. For instance, yesterday I met a senior officer of Tata Steel. It was a simple discovery. I was expecting a 'matha motta' person, dry in thoughts and hard as steel. Luckily, my approach wasn't flavored by my judgments. The brief business appointment gradually transformed itself into a surprising conversation between two lovers of photography. We traversed from travels, architecture, people to art being subjected to specifications. Who was the steel head? Being judgmental means a loss of discoveries. Yesterday, I discovered a friend...a photographer.

And tomorrow...I leave home at 7 a.m. for another Tata Steel shoot!

Life is never what it seems, and people make it mysterious!

The Hundredth Step

2009-06-03T18:28:00.000+05:30

It has been rough month setting up a new workstation with my team at Parel, a nice white room well lit and cross-ventilated. It even has a nice attic loft adding interesting dimensions to this space. We’ll soon be putting up some artwork on these large halls. It is really exciting that the new furniture has taken its place, with even a nice glass round table hungry for ideas, arguments and discussions. Work has started full swing.

Getting here has been a slow and steady climb, with every step teaching me about life, business, photography and people. All this started with just a 35mm SLR, and me. But, now I have two workstations filled with newness every day.

However, I keep travelling from some shoot and to some meeting, and then return to this workstation rarely for the past few days. Then, I stand gazing up at the five floors, and tentatively counting the hundred steps that lead me there. A climb, everyday! But, I find all of this worth it. It is a beginning.

This slow comeback to my blog - something I am trying to understand - is dedicated to everyone who is hungry for growth. This is a post for every learner, like me, who is bent about taking the next step, beyond the hundredth.

Cheers.

Capturing Happiness?

2009-06-02T19:01:00.000+05:30

I really love children. Even though, I went to Garib Nagar Slum a couple of days back for a Getty Images assignment, it was to meet my good friends, the Slumdog Millionaire child stars, Azharuddin and Rubina, flocked by the rest of the media that day.

I've been so much around this Slumdog world, and so has everyone. New stories keep getting created around them. Will these children get a house or not? Do any of these slum dwellers get good houses? And now, we ask, "What would you like Danny Boyle's house or the MHADA one?' Then we can ask, why would you like this and not that, and who will live in which house, and what further conflicts they might give us so that we can write, photograph, and view. We refuse to let children be children!

We are all so consumed by work that even people become subjects. It wasn't surprising to find that many of them did not really interact with these children while they wrote, photographed,and questioned. For few of us, they were children, and not just an assignment. This is probably why they treat us not like media, but as friends.

Every assignment is an experience, as this was, when I sat with Rubina and Azhar, and their parents drinking tea in a broken shop talking about their lives and times. Most of us have seen hunger, tap water, and interesting days, but we forget to play and watch around us. That's why I love children, they understand happiness, because they don't question it. If not for my camera's swinging moods, I could have gotten more pictures than let those moments of conversation slip before my eyes. But, the day travelled as I played with the children, walked around their homes, and managed to capture life and actual 'happiness'.

Ma (Mom) you mean the World to me. :-)

2009-05-10T17:25:00.001+05:30

Ma (Mom) you mean the World to me. :-)

Ritam
www.ritambanerjee.com

Seconds Before Sunrise

2009-03-27T10:21:00.000+05:30

Early this evening, I went to the release of a book by a wonderful human being with equally wonderful talent, launched by Advertising Wiz, Piyush Pandey, at the Kemp’s Corner’s Crossword.

It is a book of poems… profound yet very simple… as simple as her…

A book that is a reflection of “Shomshuklla” herself… a lady with nine music album releases, several shows of her plays (as director and writer) and three books to her credit… yet as pure and unpolluted as the name of her book itself, “Seconds before sunrise”, the cover of which is done by Shomshuklla’s own discovery… A nine and a half year old girl named Anindita.

The Foreword of the book itself by Veteran Poet, Narendranath Chakraborty, aptly points out, “Shomshuklla’s straightforward yet natural manner of narration excites our sluggish memory. The happy outcome is that there is no gap between the experience of the reader and the poet.”

How true. “Seconds before sunrise”, prompts me to search for the poet in me already, as I make an attempt to define her book with words that make its ‘Contents’:

I “Play”
with words,
as if, I am all alone in a “Paddy Field”,
like “Ants”
that try to climb a “Chair”
to have a “Conversation”
with a “Character”,
in “Pain”
of a “Prisoner”
caught in “A Scene”
“This Time”
with no idea of “What Not”
to say,
yet “Eager” to raise his voice,
as he knows the “Time”
to be “Dumb” is over,
for he believes, “Rama”
Will “Watch” from above,
And bring back the “Background Music”
Of the “Cuckoo”,
Back to his life and “Drive”
His “Footsteps”
Towards his “Return”
Away from his “Sorry” state like
A wet “Towel” that defines
His “Past”
In the “Backyard House”
In which he is “Not Interested”
As the “Animal Lover” in him
Makes him wonder “If”
Next to the “Tea” gardens
He didn’t have a “Wish” to have his farmhouse,
Where he could relax and enjoy the “Refreshment”
And “Run Away”
From “Pune”
And “Like It”
Like his childhood “Scrap Book”
And “Sink” himself in
And “Reverie”
Even without the quite “Darkness” of the night,
And relish this “Gift”
That is “Something”
Which quenches his “Thirsty” heart
Like the “Morning” sun throws light to show us the way
To take “Long Strides”
To the “Coffee Evening”
And not “Shudder”
In the “Terrace” in the white winter cold
But, glow like a priceless “Pearl”
That wins not just the “Head Or Heart”
Nor “One Rupee Or The Peacock Quill”
But “My Moment” that we are all looking for.

NANO is born. :-)

2009-03-24T03:15:00.000+05:30

The show must go on…

Today, I witnessed the birth of the most awaited Indian car, Tata’s NANO.

Also called the 1 Lakh INR car (Approx. 2,000.00 USD), is not just the cheapest, but the smallest car with the biggest promise, in the world.

After a lot of labor, Tata's baby has finally arrived.

Check out the baby’s birth, if you haven’t already. ☺

U can also find her on The New York Times: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/tata-nano-launched-in-mumbai/?scp=3&sq=tata%20nano&st=cse

Reality is not a Show after all...

2009-03-22T21:11:00.000+05:30

It was 15th August 2008, the Indian Independence Day, when I first saw Jade Goody and photographed her (for Getty Images), on her arrival in India, to participate in the 'Big Boss' (India's answer to 'Big Brother').

It is 22nd March 2009, the day Jade got independence from this world.

The ‘reality’ is that Jade Goody is no more with us.

The ‘show’ is over.

But, as her mother, Jackiey Budden said: "My beautiful daughter is at peace", I am sure she is finally at peace, wherever she is, after all the media frenzy over her impending death.

Pray her soul rests in peace.

If you have the WILL… you have the POWER to Raj (Rule)…

2009-03-21T21:38:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, I met the epitome of Will Power… The ultimate of Self-Belief… The heights of Confidence… The pinnacle of Determination… The zenith of Self-Assurance… Raj Sir (Mr. Raj Kumar Jha, National Creative Director, Ogilvy).

The Man, who selflessly ran in front of us literally, for years, only to show us all, the simplest way to win every race of life, suddenly encountered a complicated paralysis, waist below.

Doctors gave up hope. But he didn’t.

Last evening, this man walked all by himself into the airport to catch his flight back to Delhi, in front of my eyes, those very eyes, which had the misfortune to see the same legs lying still in bed in his Delhi home. The year was 2007.

Not even for once did he mention of his agony, not then, not yesterday, but continued to part with his ‘mantras’ to discover ecstasy with ideas and anecdotes only about the common minds but that transcends the notice of a common mind by light-years.

A simple example of his ingenuity comes from an audio documentary he had made, for the BBC Radio, by only capturing the varied tones in which every Indian Chaiwalla (Tea Sellers) sells tea across the largest Railway network in the world… Creating melody from montages of cacophony… I know not who else could have even envisioned it! Alas! Mere words just cannot even give a glimpse of the genius.

He is the lesson, “If you have the WILL… you have the POWER to Raj (Rule)…”

Keep walking…

# You can find a taste of his brilliance on http://gapodi.blogspot.com/

What is a blog?

2009-03-16T18:55:00.000+05:30

It is said that a picture speaks a thousand words. Hence, through this picture of Mr. Barry John I had shot, I make an attempt to depict my state of mind, as I am intrigued by a simple question…

What is a blog?

Exhibition? Introspection? Intellectual stimulation? Documenting a day’s gratification? Giving vent to captivated frustration?

What is a blog?

Monologue? Soliloquy? Inexplicable dialogs between Donald & Mickey?

What is a blog?

Making an impression? Caring a damn? Talking about things I can’t do, things I can?

What is a blog?

Digital dairy? Free space? Putting together disjointed ideas? With words, being an Ace?

What is a blog?

Trying hard to create poetry? Writing a prose? Speaking through pictures? Poking ones nose?

So, What is a blog???

Interview or introspection... A ‘Self-discovery’, is it!

2009-03-14T03:18:00.000+05:30

After a long and wonderful chat with Barry Sir (Mr. Barry John) earlier this afternoon, wasn't feeling too keen to do much... Guess, Friday the 13th, had a role to play. :-)

While aimlessly, surfing the net a while back, I stumbled upon an interview of mine, published on http://collage.visageimages.com/?p=225 (“Collage”, Visageimages’ online publication).

The interview seemed like more of introspection, than anything else… A ‘Self-discovery’, if I may say so.

Thought it would be nice to share it with you. May be, this is the Ritam, you might have been looking for, but hadn’t found yet, in the Me, that you have known, so far.

Home » Interviews Ritam Banerjee 11 February 2009

Ritam Banerjee left home to study photography at Pune’s Fergusson College and has been a prolific lensman capturing the world around us in stunning detail, ever since. Photography, according to Ritam Banerjee, is all about making positives out of negatives.

How did you get started in photography?

My photography started in college, with a basic 35 mm SLR camera with a 50mm normal lens and two rolls of negative film. Since then, the world has transformed into an array of faces, objects, moods and silences for me to capture on my lens.

What artists have influenced your work?

Just naming a few creators of art would be disrespect to all those artists who have been knowingly or unknowingly influencing my inner senses through their work and their presence in flesh and blood.

Its not just artists, but everyone around me - my family, my friends, my clients and at times, even those I don’t know but I just happen to come across on the streets who happen to influence me.

What do you like shooting the most?

Moments in time… any moment that freezes pictorially within the space of my frame.
What made you want to specialize in this category?

Photography is all about making positives out of negatives. Why limit the ‘positivity’ to a specific subject of so-called specialization! I am still trying to specialize in making anything and everything picturesque and photogenic. My pictures in the Visage Collection and those on my website - www.ritambanerjee.com bear testimony to the same.

What is the most demanding shot you have ever done?

Photography is not manual labor. Photography is the creation of an art-form with the tools of science. Just like art is relative, its demands are relative too. It’s not important to measure the demands of a shot by the amount of sweat, money, time, et al spent on creating the picture. What is important is to create the picture that demands attention on its own caliber.
What is your favourite picture?

The day a mother of two infants starts having her own favorite baby, I would start having ONE favorite picture of my own.
What’s the best use of a picture that you have ever seen (an ad, a book cover, etc…)?

If a picture speaks out the purpose of its usage on its own accord, I believe it’s been used to its best. If a picture in an advertisement can sell the product, if a picture on the cover of a book can draw the reader to the story, if a picture on a wall can enhance the look of a room, if a picture from the warfront published in the morning daily covers the news to the point of compelling the superpowers to call for ceasefire, if a picture in an album takes us back to our wonder years, if a picture in a tourism catalog beckons us to the extent of making us travel to the destination, if a picture in a book of history transports us back to the era bygone, if a picture helps us to discover the world beyond the visibility of the naked eye… need I say more! How about letting our pictures speak instead?

An evening at Tetsuma…

2009-03-13T12:04:00.000+05:30

Last evening was a celebration of young talent at Tetsuma. Thanks to Parmesh, Lamya and Sona from Verve for putting such a sweet little evening together.

Sona’s Facebook status this morning, “…thanks rhys, revanta, alisha and rohini for makin it so spl. u guys were mindblowing! missed u sonakshi!”, aptly sums up the evening.

You could find these promising young bunches of talents, I was delighted to shoot, in the latest issue of Verve. They are the future of entertainment… Revanta, the prolific dancer, Rhys, the melodious saxophonist, Rohini, the dynamic Radio Jockey, Alisha, the vibrant singer, Shane, effervescent Music producer, Ayan, the confident filmmaker, Anand, the versatile actor and last but in no way the least, Sonakshi, the sizzling model with one of the sweetest face, I have ever seen.

Here they are for you in pictures…

Holi Hai!

2009-03-11T17:03:00.001+05:30

Since, Holi of 1983, then & now, ‘the colors of life’ has not faded an iota from my eyes.

Thank you Baba, for emailing late last night, this colorful moment of my life from the black & white days.

It is such colorful moments that makes the urge stronger, to saturate each day of my life with the colors of the “gift” that I earn for being myself, with the “present”.

My Holi began with 'Bhang Ki Thandai'# and colorful friends (who are still on Cloud 9, thanks to the Bhang... Unki toe Hilo... Holo... Hol... Ho ho ho ho ho ho... leeeeee... samajdar ke liye eshara kafi hai.) and continues....

Tonight, I am meeting all the three Chanda together, Samir Chanda, Leela Chanda and Bonny Chanda after really, really, really long... And Dada is cooking chicken. :-)

Happy Holi! … Holi Hai!!!

#Bhang Ki Thandai (Hindi)- intoxicating drink consumed especially during Holi: is a delicious drink popular in many parts of India which is made by mixing 'bhang' (preparation from the leaves and flowers (buds) of the female cannabis plant, consumed in the Indian subcontinent. It is consumed either as a beverage or smoked) with thandai, a cold beverage prepared with almonds, spices, milk and sugar.

In august company…

2009-03-08T22:08:00.000+05:30

Now, you can also find me on http://globalassignment.gettyimages.com/Ritam-Banerjee/ , in the august company of some of the world’s best photographers.

Thank you Ma (Mom), for selflessly standing by me, for me, with me, always, since the time I came into your womb, withstanding all the pains and agony that I have given you to come this far.

I still feel the same comfort I did when I came first into your arms.

On Woman’s day, I promise I would make it certain that your sacrifices for years wouldn’t go waste, as I continue to move closer to my dreams, which Baba (Dad), Kulu (my beloved sister) and needless to say, you, have believed in when even clicking a single frame seemed a distant dream for me.

Ma, here is another Ma, Ma of Azharuddin (from Slumdog Millionaire), with her son, whom we met again on assignment with a German Journalist friend, Markus P`onitz (in the picture with Rubiana of Slumdog Millionaire fame) from ‘Bild am Sonntag’ (which is the best-selling newspaper in Europe and has the seventh-largest circulation worldwide) on Friday evening. Can you not see the same joy in her eyes, the same hope, the same dreams that I saw in yours, at every small achievement of mine, you do, don’t you!

Looking at Azhar’s Ma, I learnt the true meaning of the old Persian proverb which said, “ I cried because I had no shoes. Then I met a man who had no feet.”

Thank you to you, MA, and all the Ma’s of the world, who have selflessly sacrificed everything for the growth of their son (and daughters).

My humble tribute to you, on World Woman’s Day, for Ma, you mean the world to me.

Tomorrow I am shooting Amit Trivedi, the Music Composer of the famed song "Emotional Atyachaar"(Emotional Harassment) from the Film, Dev D, for Verve Magazine.

Life, after all, is a chain of Ironies... :-)

Another day in Paradise….

2009-03-04T13:44:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, was truly another “Another day in Paradise…”, thanks to Julia from Gettyimages, who created the golden opportunity for me to spend one more day in the company of Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, Rubiana Ali (the stars from “Slumdog Millionaire) and their colorful family.

Danny Boyle a very big thank you to you for showing me the true meaning of a popular Hindi phrase, “Kichar may he, kamal khilta hai” (Lotus blossoms only in the muck).

Though photography has gone digital, to me, it's still about "Making POSITIVES out of NEGATIVES". Let the pictures speak for themselves. I needn’t speak more, need I! ☺

Million dollar smiles amidst the Slum.

2009-03-01T20:16:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, while on a gettyimages assignment, I had an “Oscar” of an experience amidst the dwellings of two of the true stars of “Slumdog Millionaire” on ground realities (the real “tare zameen par”, if I may say so).

The Million dollar smiles were in abundance, amidst the Slum, in the company of Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail & Rubiana Ali and their family.

Azharuddin took my camera and shot my expressions. Needless to say, he made a “dog” out of me, when the roles reversed. Each of his expressions superseded mine by miles.

This was followed by a wonderful breakfast session at Rubiana’s. I haven’t had a sweeter Chai (Tea) before, as her whole family poured all their affection on me, over breakfast.

These are the real Gods (not Dogs) of the Slum, I discovered, who had love enough to easily make me a Millionaire and more.

Check out the pictures, and you would envy me, I am sure. ☺

With My Own & the POND'S & Good Housekeeping Calendars, wishing you a Very Happy 2009!

2009-01-13T21:58:00.000+05:30

Ya! I know, it’s been a while since I have visited you.

Don’t sulk just smile, for it’s Happy, Happier, Happiest 2009. ☺

There is good news for you already. Have you realized that you are now a part of the new face of my website: www.ritambanerjee.com. Go, check it out, if you haven't already.

There is more news for you. This year, I have done my first calendar, which is not only on my website for free downloading (Calendar 2009 on www.ritambanerjee.com), but all over in print form & people who have received it already, are loving it and some, as Barry Sir mentioned to me the other day, have even been sweet enough to call it a collector’s item. How’s that!

There is some more news for you. I have so far not just done one calendar, but two calendars, the second one being a POND'S and GoodHousekeeping initiative. Apparently people have liked it too.

Ok here are the two calendars for you.

Happy. ☺