Seeking Creative ingenuity in the Spotlight

A renowned photographer in the national as well as international circles, Tarun Khiwal has rewritten the rules of fashion photography with his experimental style while paving new, unusual ways for the era of exploration. Whilst honing his craft for more than 30 years, tarun Khiwal has created an unparalleled style of visual story telling which doesn’t adhere to conventions or trends, instead it draws inspiration from a personal treasure trove of memories and experiences. To usher in 2021 with new lessons and commemorate our 33rd anniversary, we spoke to Tarun about his source of inspiration, his journey of living under the spotlight and the challenges he faces in the ever-changing industry. Excerpts:

- NITYAPRIYA KALIYATH

You have been in the fashion photography industry for a long time now. How do you keep yourself motivated to achieve more and break boundaries even today?

My motivation always comes from non-fashion/non- photography situations like reading a book or from when I am meditating. I love travelling and when I do, I meet new people and interact with them listening to their stories.

My inspirations and the motivation to do more comes from these real experiences and indulging in the life that pulsates around me

What challenges did you face while building your name and how did you overcome them? Also once established how difficult is it to keep at it?

I never had an agenda of building my name, my only idea was to enjoy and do good work. I was always more focussed on my work rather than being concerned about making a name. For me, it was more important to grow as an artist and that comes from making mistakes and learning from them.

To become an artist was one thing but more important was also to be a good a husband, a father, a son, in all a better human being.

If I am not evolving my simple self, then this art is not doing anything for me. Everything I am now was not something I had intended to become, but rather results of the failures and success of a journey I embraced with much care and gratitude.