Daijiworld Media Network – (NR)
Picture by: Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Dec 30: “Reflections” a coffee table pictorial book on Bollywood by veteran film photographer Dhiraj Chawda was launched here on Saturday, 22nd Dec 2007 at the Prithvi theatre in Juhu, informs a press release.
The book was released by veteran actress Asha Parekh. Speaking on the occasion is declared “It was a privilege for any actress of my time to be photographed by Dhiraj Chawda. He could make the most stunning backgrounds and create a beautiful picture.”
“He has photographed me even before my Miss India days and made me look really beautiful in his pictures. I was not as beautiful in real life.” informed Swaroop Sampat modestly.
While yesteryear beauty queen Zeenat Aman lauded “ Dhiraj bhai photographed me so beautifully. It was a pleasure to be at his studios” she added.
“My family's association with Dhiraj bhai is over 5 decades old. I thank him for letting me use his pictures on the cover of our book.” said Priya Dutt.
“My best picture as a baby has been clicked by him. In fact three generations of my family have been photographed by him.” pointed out Kajol.
On his part the veteran photographer Dhiraj Chawda paid his humble tribute to Teji Bachchan and also remembered his conversations with her, his photo shots with Amitabh and Shashi Kapoor ( both were supposed to attend his book launch), his encounters with the guests present on the day, his association with Sunil and Nargis Dutt.
The book has some great pictures of Bollywood greats from Devika Rani, Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand. Singing legends Lata Mangeshkar, classical music exponents pandit Ravi Shankar, music directors SD Burman, RC Boral and even present days actresses like Karisma Kapoor and Kajol as babies.