I taught Naomi Campbell the 'bhangra': Ram Shergill

Two weeks back designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, launched their book India Fantastique in London, a two-volume edition that contained some of the designer’s finest fashion and interior work over 25 years. While the spotlight was on the duo, it was British photographer Ram Shergill, who has also worked with designer Vivienne Westwood, who captured the fashion pictures.

The photographer, who’s also made appearances on shows such as Britain’s Next Top Model says, “Working on the book was a magical journey taking me all over the world, where I could see the shimmer of foreign skies sparkling on their bejeweled garments… Stunning! The boys are geniuses and it was a pleasure sharing this journey with them. Also, I loved (industrialist Lakshmi Mittal’s wife Usha) Mrs Mittal’s wonderful samosas.”

Ram who draws inspiration from Indian photographer Raghu Rai, has worked with a number of big names in the modelling and global film industry, including actor Amitabh Bachchan, model Naomi Campbell and the late singer Amy Winehouse. And how does he put his subjects at ease? “I make them smile. I’m also known to be a people’s person, so most people are automatically at home in my company. Mr Bachchan is a real superstar — he is a very humble man and an artiste. Words cannot express how I feel about this true gentleman. He exudes elegance, and India is so lucky to have him as an international ambassador,” adds the photographer. Talking about some of his other favourite subjects he says, “Working with Naomi was great. She’s a fantastic supermodel. I learnt a lot from her and even taught her the bhangra. Abhishek Bachchan too is a great talent and we always have fun shooting. Additionally, I loved my time with actor Diane Kruger and musician will.i.am.”

Speaking about the growth in photography in India, Ram says, “I do feel that it is gaining recognition, and will even more in the coming years, especially now that many fine artists are using photography as their preferred medium. I have a solo book project coming up soon, and will disclose more about it later. I also regularly work with various art galleries around the world.”