Photographer Avinash Gowariker reveals why it’s a special experience shooting the Khans — Salman and Aamir.
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Photographer Avinash Gowariker reveals why it’s a special experience shooting the Khans — Salman and Aamir.
Salman Khan
- I am where I am today because of Salman Khan.
- I first met him in 1995 when he was an established star and was shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Khamoshi’
- Back then he had a great mistrust for photographers because they leaked his pictures to the press and he didn’t like that. As I didn’t betray his trust, I was lucky to be his photographer.
- Moreover, it was only on brother Sohail Khan’s insistence that I got to work with him.
- There is a lazy arrogance about his body language so even if he is stretching or yawning, it shows power and élan.
- He had a hair problem some time back but it made no difference to the photo shoots. He is naturally handsome.
- I also realised that Salman has an eye for shooting pictures. He even comes up with suggestions.
- In fact, once we both shot the same model and decided to see who was a better photographer. He shot with a rudimentary Pentax K1000 manual camera and I had to admit his composition was better than mine.
Aamir Khan
- I am indebted to Aamir Khan because he gave me my first break.
- He wanted some pictures shot during the making of ‘Raja Hindustani’. I shot him on the way from Mumbai to Panchgani.
- When we were stuck in a traffic jam, Aamir requested that some pictures be shot there itself, causing yet another jam!
- Aamir is the exact opposite of Salman when it comes to photo sessions. He is very uncomfortable posing for the camera.
- He prefers having pictures shot while he’s shooting for his movies—so as to be in the same rhythm and mood.
- He’s not a perfectionist while shooting, though he is extremely well-planned.
- Also, Aamir submits himself to the photographer’s demands and does not give any inputs.
- But every time he has to be shot, he shies away from it and needs much convincing. That’s a challenge for me.
About Avinash
- Avinash studied at Bombay Scottish School.
- Worked as assistant director with cousin Ashutosh Gowariker for the film ‘Baazi’.
- Developed interest in photography during the making of the movie.
- Sealed his decision about making photography a career after a photo shoot with Aamir Khan was published in a leading film magazine.
As told to Priyanko Sarkar