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2 January 2007
Tonight, Dabboo Ratnani launches his annual star-studded calendar. This year, Bollywood’s ace photographer has chosen the pursuit of happiness as his theme. In an exclusive chat with HiTLIST, the lensman shares his experience of working with 24 actors who have brought his vision to life
What’s new about your 2007 calendar?
There are actors who will appear on it for the first time like Ayesha Takia, Vidya Balan and Ajay Devgan. These guys have never been photographed for my calendar. Besides that, the process of making this one has been completely different from anything I have attempted before. I have gone back to the old school of photography, making minimal use of photography. The locations are mostly all outdoors as opposed to sets. Each photo tells a story about that particular person.
Which photo has surprised you the most?
All of them are fantabulous. It was quite a feat to get Ajay on the calendar. I have worked with him on commercials before, but never asked him to get on my calendar. I think the fact that both of us are chilled out and relaxed people worked. I remember Kajol calling me and expressing utter shock when she saw her name on my list. I also love Shah Rukh’s photo. It’s gorgeous.
Any memories from the shoot that you can share?
There are several of them but I think Mr Bachchan’s shoot with my dog Flash was the most remarkable one. I recall narrating what I had in mind for him and he liked it. We figured out the location and Mr Bachchan walked in with make-up, hair done and all ready for the shot.It took me exactly eight minutes to get the photo I wanted. It just went to show his integrity, sincerity and full dedication to the shoot. This was also the last picture I took for my calendar.
Also, the fact that these actors don’t charge me a single dime to give their pictures says a lot. Everything from make up to clothes is taken care by them. I don’t want to make it into a commercial business; it’s just a creative outlet for me.
Whose shoot took the longest?
It would have to be Vidya Balan and Hrithik. I remember it took close to three hours for Vidya’s picture.
She was cooperative and totally relaxed through out that time. Hrithik again is someone who has an eye for detail. He likes to get involved in the process.
Tell us about Preity Zinta’s photo
This is one of my favourite pictures in the calendar. We have shot it with Preity washing my motorcycle.
We had a blast during this particular shot because it involved hosepipes, and every time we were about to shoot she would spray the water on us. I have kept this picture for December because it’s my birthday month and also it stays longer in the calendar since it comes in the end. The energy and vivaciousness of this picture is tremendous.
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And what about Saif?
With Saif, it was another outdoor shot. We had to climb on the 21st floor of an under construction building to take this picture. The lift was rickety and the experience quite scary. There were construction workers around totally curious to know what’s happening around them. It’s a tight close-up of Saif playing a saxophone. He’s an amazing person to work with, very lively and can be shot from every angle in any mood.
Stars on Daboo’s calendar
Amitabh Bachchan
Shah Rukh Khan
Abhishek Bachchan
Akshay Kumar
Ritesih Deshmukh
Salman Khan
Saif Ali Khan
Bobby Deol
Ajay Devgan
John Abraham
Hrithik Roshan
Arjun Rampal
Aishwarya Rai
Bipasha Basu
Kajol
Preity Zinta
Rani Mukerji
Mallika Sherawat
Priyanka Chopra
Ayesha Takia
Riya Sen
Vidya Balan
Esha Deol
Katrina Kaif
This post has been edited by *Kendz*: 02 January 2007 - 10:50 AM
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