Amrit’s photographic realm

Amrit is a photographer par excellence. Whether it be his photos depicting cultural activities in the Kathmandu valley or his snapshots which fall under the category of modern photography, all are technically perfect and have a message to convey to the onlookers. Take a look at his photographic realm with Pragya Rajouria.

Amrit was a mere sixth grader when he reluctantly held the camera to give continuity to his family profession. His grandfather Harsh Ratna Bajracharya was a professional photographer and so is his father Ashok Bajracharya. "I was never really interested in photography. I was more into fine arts," says Amrit. "Gradually I began to find painting tedious. Painting is a slow process and it takes time to capture moments. One has to work painstakingly to get the desired effect in painting," he adds. "Painting is an experiment with colours whereas light plays a vital role in photography. But my experience in fine arts has proved immensely useful in photography," he explains.

After completing his school, Amrit took trainings in videography and documentary production. While doing a diploma course in still photography, Amrit saw where lied his talent and interest. After this he began to capture cultural events and heritage sites in his pictures. His photographs greatly impressed the foreign visitors interested in art and culture of Nepal. In the meantime he got the prestigious Monbusho scholarship to pursue master course of professional photography in Tokyo college of photography. "Learning photography in Tokyo college was an unforgettable experience. I learnt the technical aspects of photography which every photographer should learn. I realised that there is a lot more to photography than simply strapping a camera and clicking photos randomly. A photo shouldn’t be a dead area. It should be made to live. A good photo is always meaningful and conveys a message," he said.

The photographic society of Japan introduced him to the Japanese photographic circle as one of the most talented photographers in Nepal after he topped his class in the masters course. The inclusion of his photograph in the magazine "The month of photography, Tokyo 2002" has paved a way for other Nepali photographers to compete in major photography competition in Japan. "Photography is a responsible profession. If you want to become a good photographer, you shouldn’t limit your technical skills to just one area. You should learn whatever you can about the landscape, wild life, still life and portrait photography," says Amrit. "A photographer should be proficient at handing his equipment and developing photos as well. Unless you can do this properly, you’ll never get the perfect photos," he explains.

He splits his time working in his studio ‘Photo salon’ at Kwalkhu, Patan, taking photography class at home for groups of people interested in modern photography and conducting cultural research and study in Khokana. He has special interest in literacy program through photographs. "Photographs can be a powerful tool for teaching and awareness raising to people who cannot read and write. I am saying this from my own experience in Khokana. I had taken photos of dirty places in Khokana and showed it to people there. They were taken aback by what they saw in the pictures. Before they saw the photos, it had never occurred to them that their locality was that unclean," he says.

The photographer expresses that he along with many other photographers face problems due to lax copyright rules in Nepal. He related an incident where ‘Kamana patrika’ used his photograph in its page cover without any kind of acknowledgement or permission from him. He also expresses that he wants to become a good photo editor. He wishes to bring positive change in people’s life through photography and make the world a happier and better place to live in.

Spunky Sudha

Sudha Shah is a rare combination of grit, brilliance and beauty. With her special marketing acumen, she made waves in the international sales circuit in the US. Meet the extraordinary lady with Satish Jung Shahi

This Nepali girl may have made waves by bringing in huge revenue for her company in the United States. But software company SAP’s sales representative, Sudha Shah, still believes that it was ethics and the belief in herself that made her what she is today.

In an exclusive interview to Kantipur Television, Sudha also expressed her love for Nepal and her hope to be able to contribute something positive despite the ongoing political instability and violence in the country. "But I think we’re taking the right steps towards progress. Nepal is still peaceful as I’d left 17 years ago and I think some of the stories are exaggerated in foreign countries," she adds assertively.

The Fortune Magazine estimated that Sudha’s compensation exceeded US Dollars 800,000 in 2000. The lady was in town last week to attend a family function. She has been flying in and out of Kathmandu from time to time but this time round she was here after more than eight years and now she does not know when she’s going to be back again.

And no, she did not specify how much she bagged as bonuses during the interview, but she did express the deep passion for her work and family. " It’s hard for me to imagine what I would do apart from being a salesperson. Everybody has that inheritance but I am more so than others. I am more of a trusted advisor than a salesperson."

Apart from work, Sudha said she usually spends her time visiting art galleries, shows and concerts as well as paint, sculpt and shop for her family and friends.

Sudha said, she being a woman, hardly noticed any discrimination at workplace but added that she felt it was the Asian culture that honor women the most. "I don’t think one should be a man or a woman to be successful in what you put your heart to," she said.

Sudha also considers herself extremely lucky. Despite spending her childhood in a village in Syangja, she says she received the biggest break in her life when her parents allowed her to actually go to the United States.

"Even before that, they did send me to an English medium school in Kathmandu (Sudha passed her SLC from St. Mary High School from the Batch of 1982)," she says. "They also had the generosity to allow me to pursue my interest in my career."

Sudha also said she had no specific plans at present on making a mark back in Nepal but hoped she would have the opportunity one day. "And it would be a good thing if I continue to do what I like best, inspire other people in Nepal and continue seeing other Nepalis being recognized for what they’ve truly done with honesty and integrity."

So what does she say to inspire the younger generation?

"Just be yourself. Be honest and ethical. Also trust your intuition and follow your heart. Never ever compromise with your integrity to make others happy. Finally, never be scared of what you think is right as it is going to take you places sooner or later," she adds.

Magic of ‘The Seagrams nite’

Bikash Sangraula

There is no dearth of die-hard disco lovers in Kathmandu. Fashion, although comfort ably in the low profile these days in respect to some aspirin-defying headaches of the nation, is still a defining interest of the metropolis. And in times when entertainment has become a rarity, the temptation is all the more indomitable.

The magic that the combination of disco and fashion can exercise was exhilaratingly obvious to those who were there at the ‘Seagrams Nite’. To the delight of disco lovers in the capital, it featured the ‘Ibiza Mystic Brew’, reloaded on December 19 and 20, after its overwhelming success on September 2 at the nightclub ‘Galaxy’ in The Everest Hotel.

Supermodels Nicola, Jessica and Devadutta from India displayed some fabulous designs by Nandini Baruva. The young designer did three years of Fine Arts at All Assam Arts and Crafts Society and four years of study at one of the best fashion institutes in India- Pearl Academy of Fashion, New Delhi. Her exemplary creative instincts were obvious in the winter fall collection and western wear outfits displayed to an awe-struck audience.

"I would love to incorporate local Nepali taste in my designs. I seriously want to understand Nepal and collect inspiration for my future works," a suave and gorgeous Baruva told The Kathmandu Post. She wishes to start her own fashion studio and atelier under her own designer label ‘OZONE’ at her hometown Guwahati.

Baruva believes that her brand communicates the total ease of a woman with herself. It targets the up-market consumers. The ‘OZONE’ look revolves around clean cuts, minimal opulence and controlled embroidery.

"The woman of the 21st century is the perfect amalgamation of confidence and brilliance that augments her absolutely beautiful body and mind," says Baruva.

The night was memorable for some musical reasons as well. Dj Sanjay Dutta from India, and resident Dj Anjit Kocher played highly progressive, trance and tribal house, non-stop for an incredible 14 hours, driving home once again that disco proves incomparable to other more passive forms of entertainment in driving away blues.

"We have received highly encouraging response from all quarters," a euphoric Amir K. Pradhananga, Assistant Manager-Front Office at the Everest Hotel told The Kathmandu Post.

On evidence of the quality of entertainment offered in the Seagrams Nite, it does not seem surprising when ‘Galaxy’ claims to provide the best music possible, with the latest releases the world over. The entertainment epicenter also provides ‘super door prizes’.

Nights in the capital can be remarkably colorful. It is only the question of knowing the best place to be in. ‘Galaxy’ is definitely one of them.

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