From sleeping on footpaths to capturing celebrities through his lenses, Munna-S has come a long way. His life charts a true-blue success story and we find out what drives this man to conquer the unachievable. Munna-S Photos By: Munna-S he first thing that strikes a Person about Munna-S is his openness, quite unlikely for a man who has gained such fame over a period of time. An artist who likes to paint his canvases with his images he takes through his camera, ego is the last thing that could tarnish his open and innocent demeanor.
He stands as an example to everyone for achieving what he dreamt for, and photography is all that he wanted to do. His passion for photography drew him to the footpaths where he spent countless nights! But it was his passion for photography and his determination that drove him to where he is today.
We spoke to Munna about his life and work, and we found a man still going on, not sitting back to enjoy what he has created for himself. As Pravin Talan remarked and we found out that Munna-S is “a man on a quest for perfection”!
MegaModelz : Your journey from an anonymous somebody to an ace photographer hasn't been easy, what kept you going?
Munna : My driving force has been my determination to achieve my dream. And my dream has been to become a successful photographer ever since my childhood.
MM. : How difficult is it to establish yourself in this industry?
Munna : I believe that nothing is difficult. I just worked on my dream with total dedication. And now I can safely say that one should never get affected by their ups and downs, and strive on.
MM. : Do you think there is a difference in Indian and International Fashion photography?
Munna : I don't think there is much difference. Whatever the difference may be, it is very marginal. It may even be the difference of Brown and White skin.
MM. : Do you believe that globalization has affected the photography sector?
Munna : Yes of course, globalization has affected the photography sector in India , and I see it as a positive direction for our industry.
MM. : How do you think a photographer can make his/her mark in the fashion industry on a global level?
Munna : I think that a photographer can make his/her mark just by working hard. It is hard work, and also the capacity to keep one self updated with the changing times that would bring recognition from the industry.
MM. : Did you ever have to compromise your creative vision in order to fit in your client's request?
Munna : I never really saw the client's demand as a limiting factor for my creative process. I believe that a client's request is like a challenge for a photographer and that we should be able to mould our creative energy according to our client's needs. So the output has always been the combined forces of the client's and my vision.
MM. : How much of a creative freedom is accorded to a photographer when he/she is just starting out? Munna : I believe that a photographer has total freedom, as we are working in the creative world, here 1+1 could equal to 2 or to 11, it simply depends on the individual's creativity and point of view.
MM. : Would you call yourself a versatile photographer?
Munna : Yes, of course. If I was not a versatile photographer I wouldn't have been at this position where I stand today. I believe that for a photographer, being versatile is of utmost importance. It is as important as it is to have the brain as it is to have the heart.
MM. : Do you have any particular preference for models?
Munna : No, not at all. For me a model is a model, who I envision with my concept, for a shoot. I don't harbour any particular preference for any kind of a model.
MM. : Do you believe in stereotyping the notion of beauty in tall, thin and fair model?
Munna : I don't believe in such notion. For me beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. And I see beauty in every form, not just in orthodox belief of beauty.
MM. : Then what does beauty represent for you? Munna : To me any thing and everything is beautiful. Whether it's a mountain or a dew drop! I see beauty in every aspect of life.
MM. : Who is your favourite model? Munna : John Abraham any day!! MM. : While shooting for a portfolio, what advice would you like to impart to aspiring/new photographers as well as models?
Munna : All that I can advice the photographers is to focus on your model, to study their character. Do not animate them, but characterize them. And to the models, trust your photographer, don't get self-conscious and let your photographer take care of you. Whenever a model and a photographer work for a portfolio shoot, they should always work like a team. One is nothing without the other, and so they should have full confidence in each other.
MM. : Finally, what advice would you like to give to the budding photographers?
Munna : I believe that characterization is a must for a photographer. One should work with different moulds of their character. And one should work with total honesty to bring out their best, as a dreamer, believer and as an achiever.
