“There is something about Mumbai and the people here that makes me fall in love with this city every single time,” says Nisheeth Bhatt. A lawyer by profession, clicking photos for him is more than just passion – it is his way of telling stories and finding interesting tales behind a click that one would often miss out at the first glance.
The photographer, who is currently showcasing his works at Jehangir Art Gallery, along with friend and fellow photographer Valerie Hara, feels that some visitors at the gallery leave behind lasting impressions. This, he says, is why he loves Mumbai. “All types of people come to see the work, they may all not be buyers but each one of them has an eye for art, even the working class people, who decide to step into the gallery during their lunch break,” he adds.
Aptly titled Sandarsh – A Perspective, the exhibition narrates stories through 56 pictures on display. The pictures hanging on the whitewashed walls of the room are more than mere objects of art. Nisheeth emphasises, “Each one of them has a story to tell, a tale waiting to be narrated.”
This is Nisheeth’s second exhibition at the venue, this time along with Valarie. “I’ve known her for over 22 years now. What amazes me the most about her is that she is a Canadian lady married to an Indian sardarji, who decided to make India her home and has been staying here for over three decades now even after the death of her husband in 2013,” he reveals.
For Valerie, this is the first exhibition and collating photos was a difficult job, she admits. “It was one hell of a job! I had so many pictures, and then Nisheeth suggested I tell a narrative about why I chose to live in India when I had all the reasons to go back to Canada. The job then became easier then,” she says.
A globetrotter, Valerie has explored over 90 countries so far, and yet decided to make India her home, the reasons for which she aims to reveal through this exhibition. “I stay on the outskirts of rural north Haryana and while the country never fails to amaze and surprise me, I think I don’t like North American culture anymore,” she smiles. “The values, the politeness, the strictness is something you will get to see only in India, though I must admit that some traditions do drive me crazy at times. I’ve always been a very shy person and the camera gave me a chance to interact with people through the lens. It has been a constant travel companion and there is something about capturing the moment and reminiscing it later,” she signs off.
Ongoing, 11 am to 7 pm At Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda
