UNTOLD STORIES

Our lives are a collection of stories that are broken into multiple chapters. Each chapter is segmented into moments that are fed by choices and decisions that guide the trajectory of our narrative. In them reside tales of courage, hardship and resistance that sometimes go hidden and untold.

The Unsung series, the brainchild of Mahesh Bhat, is an exemplary compilation of such stories and of how photography can be used as a tool for social change. The books and the exhibition chronicle stories of remarkable Indians who have made a difference in society against great personal odds.

In this issue of Better Photography, Tanvi Dhulia and Nilofer Khan speak to Dinesh Khanna, Amit Mehra, Sharmistha Dutta, Prashant Panjiar, Aparna Mohindra, and Mahesh Bhat about their thoughts and experiences on photographing these lesser-known pioneers, reformers, activists, and trailblazers, who have worked vigorously for their communities.

Words as Weapons

Dinesh Khanna speaks to Nilofer Khan about his father-inlaw, Rajendra Yadav, who revolutionised Hindi literature.

Have you ever met a person who transformed the way you perceive the world? Someone who challenges and guides you, and if required, a reality check. Dinesh Khanna went through something similar when he met Shri Rajendra Yadav, his father-in-law. “I would look forward to our discussions. Initially, it would be frustrating as he was completely unflappable. Later, I realised that he was putting up a mirror for one to look at his own thoughts and ideas,” recalls Khanna.