The Dream of Becoming a Hero
As a kid, I was always daydreaming about being in the spotlight, where I could share my love for acting with the world. It was my first true passion, and I found so much happiness performing in local theaters in my charming little hometown. Each time I stepped onto the stage, I felt a rush of excitement, and I loved connecting with the audience through my lively expressions and infectious energy. It was such a joy to see their smiles and hear their applause!
However, my dad, who worked as a Deputy Superintendent of Police in West Bengal, had a different vision for me. He was a firm believer in discipline and structure, and he hoped I would pursue a path filled with sports and a more traditional career. While I understood his intentions came from a place of love and concern, it often felt like we were on two different paths, with me dreaming of the stage and him wanting me to follow a more conventional route. Despite our differences, I cherished the moments we shared, hoping one day he would see the joy that acting brought into my life.
A Star Athlete in the Making
Following my dad's heartfelt wishes, I excitedly dove into the world of athletics at the Sports Authority of India (SAI). My time there was truly unforgettable; I not only competed with enthusiasm but also became a favorite among my fellow athletes, earning the fun title of heartthrob in our circle. My dad, noticing the attention I was starting to attract, made a thoughtful decision to enroll me in a well-regarded boys' school, believing it would be a great fit for my growth.
At this new school, I threw myself into training for the 110m hurdles, dreaming of one day representing the Indian national team. Yet, as I tackled challenging workouts and honed my technique, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was yearning for something even more thrilling—a sport that would not only test my limits but also ignite a passion and excitement that would keep my spirit alive and kicking.
Switching to Volleyball – Finding My Rhythm
While many people see athletics as a prestigious activity, I found it to be a bit dull and lacking excitement. The strict training routines and the lonely hours spent running made me feel a bit restless. It was during this quest for something more thrilling that I discovered my true love: volleyball! The rush of the game, the fun of working together with teammates, and the lively energy of the court completely won me over. I loved diving for the ball, making clever plays, and the joy of collaborating to achieve victory.
Soon enough, I became a prominent volleyball player at the state level, collecting awards and winning several tournaments. My hard work and passion eventually took me to the Super Division League, where I had the honor of representing the Calcutta Port Trust Club, one of the top teams in the area, and I cherished every moment of competing with some of the best players around.
Balancing Studies with Passion
Alongside my thriving sports career, I pursued my graduation at Calcutta University. Later, I embarked on a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Film Studies at Jadavpur University. It was during this time that my perspective on art, media, and fashion began to shift. I was introduced to the world of modeling, portfolios, and fashion direction, a world I would soon immerse myself in completely.
The Magnetic Pull of Fashion Photography
In the lively 2000s, fashion photographers truly became the stars of the show, their creativity and unique perspectives earning them a special place in the industry. They had a remarkable impact, not just on the stunning images that filled magazine covers and billboards, but also on the very fabric of celebrity culture. Actors and actresses were drawn to them, captivated by their charm and the incredible talent they had for revealing the true essence of their subjects.
For these photographers, taking pictures was more than just a job; it was about sharing stories that touched people's hearts, influencing styles and thoughts in the lively world of fashion and entertainment. I was truly captivated by this exciting world, where creativity and connection came together, and where every click of the camera could turn the tale in a whole new direction.
Founding SMPAI – The Modeling Institute
To bridge the gap between aspiring models and the glamour industry, I founded SMPAi, a renowned modeling institute. Here, I learned extensively from the best, particularly from Mr. Samrat Mukherjee. Working with so many celebrity photographers honed my skills and refined my artistic vision. SMPAi became a powerhouse of talent, producing numerous successful models and actors who made a mark in the industry.
Stepping into Professional Photography
From directing portfolios to curating creative campaigns, my transition into professional photography was seamless. Assisting renowned photographers allowed me to gain invaluable experience. Eventually, I became the Creative Head at SMPAi, designing portfolios for actors and models, helping them break into the industry with confidence.
Venturing into the Film Industry
A major turning point in my career was my association with the Bengali film Chha-e Chhuti. Working alongside esteemed actors like Rudranil Ghosh, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, and Locket Chatterjee gave me firsthand exposure to the film industry. This experience opened new doors, allowing me to shoot film posters and promotional campaigns for major productions.
Dominating the Advertising World
Leading the advertising campaigns for Utsav Fashion has been such a rewarding experience! It’s not just about boosting my professional image; it’s also given me the chance to dive into the world of visual storytelling in a fun and creative way. Each campaign felt like a collaborative adventure, where photography turned into a canvas for vibrant stories that truly engaged our audience.
By blending traditional design elements with fresh, modern trends, I was able to create eye-catching images that connected with people emotionally and raised the bar for creativity in our field. This journey has been all about more than just visuals; it’s been about creating memorable experiences that stick with everyone who sees them.
Lessons from My Journey
1. Passion Over Trends
Your passion should drive your career, not fleeting trends. Whether it was acting, sports, or photography, I always followed my heart. This mindset led me to where I am today.
2. Invest in Skills, Not Just Equipment
Photography is about creativity and vision, not just high-end cameras. Master the fundamentals before chasing the latest gear.
3. Embrace Setbacks as Learning Experiences
Failure is inevitable, but it is also the best teacher. Every setback I faced, whether in acting, sports, or photography, taught me valuable lessons and pushed me closer to success.
4. Build a Strong Network
Success in photography isn’t just about talent—it’s about relationships. Being professional, approachable, and trustworthy has helped me build long-lasting connections in the industry.
5. Pursue Excellence, Not Just Success
As the movie 3 Idiots beautifully put it: “Don’t chase success; chase excellence. Success will follow.” I live by this philosophy, ensuring that my work always reflects my highest standards.
6. Adapt and Evolve
From an athlete to a photographer, my journey has been about constant evolution. The industry changes, and so should you.
7. Stay Authentic
Your unique perspective is your biggest asset. Stay true to your vision and let your work reflect your personality and creativity.
Looking Forward: The Journey Continues
From the dreams of being a hero to becoming a celebrated photographer, my journey has been a testament to passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, I continue to explore, create, and inspire. The best part? The journey is far from over. For aspiring photographers and dreamers, my message is simple: Follow your passion, embrace the challenges, and strive for excellence. Success will find you.
Final Words: My life has been a rollercoaster of dreams, challenges, and achievements. If my story inspires even one person to follow their passion fearlessly, I consider it a success. “Success ke peeche mat bhaago, excellence ka peecha karo. Success jhak marke tumhare peeche aayegi”. So never stop chasing excellence!
Chasing Dreams & Excellence: My Journey with Industry Experts