A Journey of a Thousand Frames: From India to Europe and Beyond

On October 14, 1996, I embarked on a journey that forever changed the trajectory of my life. That day marked my first flight out of India, stepping into the unknown, fueled by a dream and the weight of endless possibilities. With just £11 in my pocket, I left behind everything familiar to pursue further education in London, UK. The world was a vast canvas, and I was a young artist eager to paint my story. My ambition was singular and clear—to earn an honors degree in photography and return to Mumbai to make a name for myself in fashion photography. Little did I know that my journey would take me far beyond the glitz and glamour of fashion toward a deeper, more meaningful path.

I remain eternally grateful to Nick Hedges, the Head of the Photography Department at the University of Wolverhampton, whose mentorship changed the course of my career. Nick helped me tap into a passion I never knew existed—photojournalism. Under his tutelage, I worked on a small project documenting the Indian diaspora in Leicester, often referred to as the South Asian capital of Europe. It was an eye-opening experience, witnessing the lives of immigrant communities who had made the UK their home, preserving fragments of their heritage while adapting to a new world. The stories I captured were not just pictures but powerful narratives of identity, struggle, and belonging. Little did I know then how far that body of work would take me or how profoundly it would shape my vision as a photographer and storyteller.

By the end of my honors degree, my thirst for knowledge only grew stronger. In the late ’90s, formal academic opportunities for accredited photography programs were scarce in India. I believed that completing my master’s degree abroad would give me an edge, opening doors to professional recognition upon my return. I enrolled in the Master of Design program at the University of Dundee in Scotland, continuing to expand my research from England. Working closely with Dr. Pam Schenk and my photography guide, Johnathan, I delved deeper into my craft, refining my skills and perspectives. Their guidance pushed me to view photography not just as an art form but as a tool to evoke emotion and provoke thought. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to be surrounded by mentors who believed in me and challenged me to go further.

Though I had long envisioned returning to Mumbai to carve out a career in Bollywood, my path took a significant turn when I won the Stevenson Scholarship from the University of Glasgow. This unexpected twist offered me an opportunity to extend my research in Germany, and it was during this time that my work began to attract international media attention. Exhibitions in Europe brought my photojournalism to a broader audience, allowing me to explore diverse cultures and expand the scope of my storytelling. These unexpected turns in my journey were not just detours, but new paths that led to exciting discoveries. Upon my return, my project, An Indian Abroad: Home Away from Homeland, received a nomination for the BBC Asia Award in the Film & Arts category, competing against Channel 4’s acclaimed East is East. This recognition from the British media bolstered my confidence and gave me a clearer vision of where I wanted to take my career.

As I continued my journey, I had the privilege of expanding my research in France and the Netherlands. My work was gaining momentum, and the recognition only solidified my passion for documenting human experiences through the lens of a camera. A defining moment came when the legendary Girish Karnad invited me, then Director of the Nehru Centre in London, to hold a solo exhibition at the heart of Central London. The exhibition, attended by notable figures and covered widely in the media, was a turning point. It paved the way for an invitation to showcase my work at the most significant Asian conference in the United States, the New York Conference on Asian Studies (NYCAS). It was a profound honor when Dr. I.K. Gujral, then the Prime Minister of India, inaugurated my exhibition in Albany in 1998—that moment marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of visual storytelling.

These experiences, one after another, reaffirmed that I was on the right path. Each milestone, whether a solo exhibition in London or a nomination for a prestigious award, opened doors to new opportunities and professional growth. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. There were moments of doubt, times when I questioned my decisions, and instances when I felt like giving up. Yet, each time, I found the strength to push through, fueled by my passion for photography and the support of my mentors and loved ones. While my journey has taken me far from where it began, I have always maintained a deep connection to my roots. My visits back to India are frequent, each time reminding me of the love and appreciation I hold for the place that ignited my passion. Today, as I reflect on the incredible journey that started with just £11 in my pocket, I am filled with immense gratitude. I am grateful for my mentors—Nick Hedges, Dr. Pam Schenk, and Johnathan—whose wisdom guided me through uncharted territories. I am thankful to my family, whose unwavering support gave me the courage to chase my dreams. And gratitude for every individual who believed in me along the way. This journey, rich with challenges, triumphs, and learning, has brought me farther than I could have imagined. I often think about the young boy who boarded that flight with £ 11 and a dream, and I am amazed at how far he has come. Thank you for being a part of it—it has made all the difference.