Why are you so passionate about Kolkata?
Although I have been living here for quite some time, my eyes have recently opened to this city and I call it a reawakening. The city never fails to amaze me!

What attracted you to the art of photography?
I have always been a creative person but I never thought I would be directly involved with the arts as such. I had been dabbling with photography, mainly portraiture for a while when I got the opportunity to send a series of prints to Mumbai which would fit as fine art photography. My print was among the top ten chosen from a forum of the best of India. That was a surprise for me too! Since then, I have realized that I enjoy doing this kind of work.

What do you try to explore through your photography?
I like to explore the minute details of everyday lives on the streets. These details sometimes amuse, sometimes amaze, sometimes tell so much about the place and sometimes seem to catch the lingering history too.

You have had the privilege of working under the legendary photographer, Raghu Rai. What was the experience like?
At first, it seemed unbelievable but when one settles down one learns by just being with them.

What did you learn about the craft from one of the best photographers in the country?
I have learnt to be patient, to see and receive what is in front of you, to wait for things to unfold.

Who are the other Indian or foreign photographers whose works appeal to you?
I haven’t studied many works but I would like to mention Henri Cartier Breson, Steve Mc Curry and Raghubir Singh.

What are you working on at present?
At present, I am working on a book on contemporary art work in Mumbai and the context is Shiva. The book has been conceptualized by Rajiv Sethi and has Sharada Diwedi, Ranjit Hoskote and others working on it too.

Is another exhibition in the offing?
There are talks of Oxford hosting the show A Life Of Its Own in its two sister stores in Mumbai and Bangalore. At the same time, I am always clicking and creating new frames and new dimensions like the tea stall I showed at Oxford Bookstore, Kolkata. To me it was an added dimension to my stills and I hope to create many more.

What do you do when you are not busy with your lenses?
Other then attacking the digital work, I love to spend time with my children. We catch up on movies together and we love visiting bookstores. None of us can resist books.

Finally, what books do you like to read?
I buy more than I can read. The last memorable book I read was “Kalikatha Via Bypass” by Alka Saraogi. Her novel is set during that time of history that most of us don’t consider important and she unfolds it so sensitively. I haven’t been able to start The Last Moguls but I will surely do that very soon.