English version (though, of course, not a literal translation): I'm coming back to blogging after a long break, necessitated by lack of bandwidth and proper technology. Since this is a brand new beginning, I thought I'd start off with a few portraits. And oh, the title reads Ground Zero.
Happy Onam everybody!
Happy Onam everybody!
This day in the year 1996, my father went back to the Kingdom of the Gods. The above portrait of him was clicked by me at our Sreemandiram Palace at Ennakkad, with the my first SLR (a Pentax P30). I remember that the film I used was Ilford from England. In those days, I used to develop and print my pictures in my own darkroom (which was the converted bedroom) at my house in Thrissur. My father had always encouraged my attempts at photography by posing for long times in inconvenient poses for me. My mother, I can fondly say, has squandered a lot of money for buying me books on photography. Whatever I have achieved in life is because, above all, the spiritual support bestowed upon me by my father, Sri. T.K. Rama Varma Koil Thampuran and Mrs. Uma Devi Thampuratty.. my Achan and my Amma.
Above: This is Kalamandalam Rama Chakiar, a living legend in Koothu and Koodiyaattam, who used to work out of the Kerala Kalamandalam. He is a disciple of Painkulam Rama Chakiar, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest exponents of his trade. He is also the brother of Dr. Chakiar, my erstwhile colleague at Vaidyaratnam, and a good friend.
Above: Arbitrary beggar-man. Snapped him while he was doing his rounds at the Swaraj Round.
Above: When I posted this on Facebook, someone mentioned that he felt as though he had to clean his glasses after seeing this picture!
