Vikram Bawa is a celebrity and fashion portraitist, who has always had a love for life, light and photography.
His unique ability to capture beauty, as well as power in his subject, and to present them in unique light, was immediately apparent and in no time major assignments followed. His name has been attached to some of the most iconic A-list actors in the business, from Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan to Akshay Kumar.
The Mumbai based Vikram has an immediate friendly and welcoming demeanor, completely devoid of pretension, fitting of one who has worked hard for his achievements and values determination over work. Undoubtedly, it is this attitude and ability to relate to others that has helped him run the track of his impressive career. Excerpts:
Who inspires you, or else what inspires you the most as a photographer?
There have been a number of photographers who have inspired me in my journey…however, I am mostly inspired by any visual anywhere in the world. In my case, inspiration is the need to push the envelope in terms of the creative challenge. I believe that there is a constant need to develop as a photographer and also as a human being. I think they both go hand in hand.
A lot of people have pre-concieved opinions about celebs and actors. Does it mean that the challenge to take the best shots is the ability to make a connection with the subject on a more personal level? Comment
Definitely, I agree there is a need to connect on a personal level to be able to shoot with the stars, but at the same time I must say, you need to be a good photographer and it is pertinent to have the utmost confidence to get the best out of them.
What are the realities of working with celebrities? Which star is the most spontaneous, and are you a believer of the hot photo shoot trend?
Well, regardless of the public perception of celebs, I must say that shooting with the stars is actually quite easy. But you need to keep in mind a few basic things.
1. You should be prepared with your concept before the shoot.
2. You need to take care of their comforts and requirements.
3. You need to be fast as they are always short of time given their schedules.
Shooting a sexy and classy picture can go either way. There is a thin line between a sexy and tarty picture. However, a good picture can be hot and sexy without being vulgar in any way.
What are some of the best moments from your photographic career that you cherish the most, and why?
A few years ago, I did a personal series and it was done simply for the love of it. And honestly, till today I have been receiving awards and accocolates for it. It helped me change the way I work and has changed the way I will work for ever…
There is a general notion that there is only one body type suitable for the glamour/mod-elling world. Comment.
In fact, each and every body type can be made to look gorgeous. It is simply about how you perceive it and what you wish to bring in to your work. In short, it is all about confidence. Unfortunately in India, there is a mindset that the best body type is a slim yet curvy one.
You have won a fair share of awards in your journey. How im-portant are they to you? Second-ly, are there any other ambitions left to achieve in the fabulous world for Vikram Bawa?
Awards have been very important in my journey, as most of my creativity have received International recognition, and many of them have been actually shot in India. So it took me a while to understand my own sensibilities and at the same time also realise that I’ve been a little ahead of time when it comes to my country. For example, I received an award for my 3D work more than a decade ago, but 3D is now the flavour of the season and a new rage. At the end of the day, recognition is the best motivator and also keeps me going and believing in my own work.
With regards to my ambitions,I think I have only just started my career and this is just the beginning. And being at the very start of my career…I guess, I have a long way to go in my journey…
Mathew Thottungal
