About
Sunil Malhotra
My
introduction to photography
My
initiation in photography was at a very early age through my father, who was a reputed
photographer working with top daily newspapers. When my friends were busy with
toys, I used to spend time with the camera. It was at this early stage that I
developed my passion for photography and started learning the art of
photography under my late father, Shri Parmeshawari Dayal Malhotra.
After
schooling, I was totally immersed in the world of photography and blossomed
into a creative photographer under the guidance of one of the geniuses of
Indian photography, the late Shri S. Paul. The journey that began four and a
half decades ago, is continuing with full passion. From film to digital, it has
been an elevating experience throughout. The hardware might have undergone a
sea change but the nuances and the creativity in photography remain the
hallmark of a good photographer.
Encouragement along the way
Living
my passion this long gave me excellent opportunities to work with the best of
national and international newspapers and news agencies. Winning different
awards egged me to always go for excellence. Whether it was recognition from
the All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society (AIFACS), an art society, or
DAVP, the government agency or the IIT Kharagpur or the display in Press
Photography exhibition, each of these awards helped me to hone my photography
skills to near perfection.
I
have been on the jury of photography awards, like the National Photo Awards by
Photo Division, Ministry of I&B and the All India Art Exhibition organised
by NDMC. Seeing new talent and guiding them has been a great part of my
experience as a photographer.
A Practice of 45 years
In
the last 45 years, I have worked with PTI, UNI, AP, Reuters, The Hindustan
Times, a newsmagazine- Surya India, a sports magazine- Sportsworld, Kashmir
Times and Patriot.
While
working with India’s premier news agency, PTI, I organised and offered photo
coverage of all the events during the Asian Games, ASIAD 82, for over 80
newspapers and dozens of magazines. As the Chief Photographer with another
Indian news agency, UNI, Delhi, I was given the onerous task of launching
India’s first news photo service which I accomplished with flying
colours.
The
experience with internationally renowned agencies like the Associated Press
(AP) and Reuters was enriching as well. I covered most major events in India,
Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. At Reuters, I was the
first Indian who was given the responsibility of Chief Photographer, and I
worked there for 13 long years. Apart from taking photographs for the agency, I
supervised and coordinated with a host of freelance photographers and stringers
in different parts of India, providing the best that was available.
Today is a new day
A
hobby that grew into passion and a lifelong companion . . . it continues to be
the same. The learning never ends, creativity has no limits and ‘seen all, done
all’ syndrome doesn’t come close to me. Currently, I’m busy with different
agencies and publications as freelancer.
My most recent project involved traveling to South East Asia to cover the ancient Hindu & Buddhist heritage architectural sites in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The travel has not only introduced me to the rich legacy of South East Asia but also connected me to different cultures of these countries. And I look forward to more such travels and capturing the beautiful history.
Sunil Malhotra
