Heritage storyteller and photographer Maroof Umar, better known as Maroof Culmen, with a community of 520,000 followers (and growing) on Instagram, has almost become synonymous with the culture of Lucknow. In a conversation with Garima Sadhwani, he talks about his creative process, the language of aesthetics, and his love for Awadh. Edited excerpts:
Your content showcasing Awadh's heritage is an inspiration to many folks on the internet, but what inspired you to start documenting these stories, monuments, and traditions?
My inspiration stems from the childhood stories my mother used to tell me, weaving intricate tales of Lucknow's history and culture. Those stories shaped my perspective and instilled in me a deep love for the city and its heritage. Awadh, with its unparalleled blend of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, its architectural marvels, its food, and its people, feels like a living museum. The charm of capturing stories from this region lies in its unassuming beauty and its ability to keep surprising you. Every corner has a tale waiting to be told.
Your videos often show us the history and story behind the food, textiles, and monuments we're so used to seeing around us. What's the process of crafting these videos like? Does a lot of research go behind them?
This story is from the January 05, 2025 edition of Financial Express Kolkata.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 05, 2025 edition of Financial Express Kolkata.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ICC explores two-tier Test cricket system
ICC chief Jay Shah will meet Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird and his England counterpart Richard Thompson to discuss the finer points
Top IITs see a drop in campus placements
● More students likely getting jobs independently
US set to lift curbs on Indian nuclear entities
EYEING DEEPER ENERGY TIES
Consent Manager Framework: A Key Big Tech Concern
CONSENT MANAGERS MUST meet stringent registration criteria, including being based in India with a minimum net worth of ₹2 crore and implementing robust security measures to prevent data breaches.
D-Street catches flu
HEADWINDS FOR MARKETS at the start of the year include higher US 10-year yields and a stronger dollar, the potential imposition of additional US tariffs on Asia-Pacific economies, and elevated economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk, Goldman Sachs strategists said in a note while trimming the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan index’s target to 620 from 630, as per a Bloomberg report.
D-Street catches flu
HEADWINDS FOR MARKETS at the start of the year include higher US 10-year yields and a stronger dollar, the potential imposition of additional US tariffs on Asia-Pacific economies, and elevated economic policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk, Goldman Sachs strategists said in a note while trimming the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan index's target to 620 from 630, as per a Bloomberg report.
Q-comm boost to gig worker hiring in 2025
THE HIRING BOOM will be driven by the expansion of dark stores, fuelled by new entrants and increased investments from established players.
Banks, NBFCs See Hit To...
THESE SUBSIDIARIES THEN use the data to approach the customer and offer products and services such as insurance, mutual funds, demat accounts and other related financial solutions.
Eight jawans among 9 killed in Naxal attack
IN THEIR BIGGEST strike on security forces in Chhattisgarh in two years, Naxals blew up a vehicle using an improvised explosive device weighing 60 to 70 kg, killing eight security personnel and their civilian driver in Bijapur district on Monday, police said.
Cautious Outlook for Auto Companies in Q3
• No segment shows growth except tractors
