Since decades, the streets of Kolkata have captivated me. They are filled with drama and intrigue. I also love the rain and have played around with its nuances with my camera. In some cases, I was asked to do portraits. There was a tiny seed that was growing in the back of my mind, which would change how a portrait would be combined with a shower. The picture I had drawn inside required a lot of patience, and it was not easy to find. This seed would germinate only under perfect weather conditions, and when I met the person who matched my wildness.
#1
When the sky loomed in this season with a threat, I only saw an opportunity. Three women, all of whom were passionate about rain, appeared in my life simultaneously, as if fate and the heavens had conspired to give me a winner.
It was a dance of lady luck as the monsoon arrived and receded. Neither of us showed our cards. I took the shots in front of clouds and the holy Ganges waters on the ghats at Kumartuli, a district of north Kolkata, India. Sometimes the shots were taken during heavy rains or even thunderstorms. They were all in it, and did not hesitate to dive, soak and dunk themselves into the water, from both above and below. I was very clear about my requirements: my subject had to be the monsoon and it didn’t really matter whether they looked good. I received a lot of great shots from everyone.
#2
What was most important, however, was the next step. It was probably the first time that a photographer had displayed his work at the exact location where it was shot, especially on a Ghat. This was unheard-of, and it was even more impossible under the monsoon skies of Kolkata. This was my personal challenge. As far as I know, this feat may have never been done before.
#3
On a cloudy night in Kolkata, 33 canvasses facing the Ganges were placed on easels on the steps of the ghat, where I had shot the series. On this occasion, a photo book with the same photographs that were displayed was published. Chandrabindoo’s talented members, who are known for their music and words, were present to add a special touch to the event. The band was never at a performance where spontaneity ruled. The rain held off for the evening to be romantic, and the sky peeked at my work.
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Siddhartha is a Paul
Siddhartha’s journey was not easy. He is a man who struggles in his home life. The original intention was to document his wanderlust and love of travel. However, life and fate took many turns before it became the pinnacle of street genre.
This sensitive and deep-thinking man did not give up his love of photography, despite being diagnosed with severe eye problems and suspected cancer. He was forbidden from going outside in the sun. So he took pictures in his room or at night. He fell in new love with the charm of the city. He fell in love again with his sight, something that so many of us are accustomed to.
