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Rafique Sayed interacts with his objects
Ace photographer Rafique Sayed believes in keeping it simple. After a while behind the camera lens in his initial years, Rafique Sayed realised he didn’t want to ‘baby-doll’ images.
After a while behind the camera lens in his initial years, Rafique Sayed realised he didn’t want to ‘baby-doll’ images. “If a picture lacks character, it’s no picture at all. If someone approaches you for a photo-shoot, you need to speak to him or her. There are subjects who are like walls. But there are some whose character and expressions can be sketched easily,” asserts Rafique, who feels an image should be an interaction between the subject and the lensman.
“Photography transcends beyond the viewfinder. There’s life around you. If you are observant and aware, pictures will happen even when you’re strolling on the beach.”
‘At ease with bump’
Konkana saw some of my work and decided to shoot with me. I had read a moving story of Mukhtar Mai from Pakistan, who is among the 100 most powerful women in the world. I wanted to bring out that essence of power in my picture with Konkana. She agreed. I haven’t seen a more amazing expectant mother in my life. The concept was that women always suffer in a war, where they either lose loved ones or end up being raped by an army. Konkona gave an array of expressions cynical or emotional at the drop of a hat. She was at ease with her bump.
‘Never had a dull moment with him’
Irrfan Khan is an effervescent guy. He has vivid expressions. He will talk to you on subjects ranging from Urdu literature, Ismat Chugtai and Sadat Hassan Manto to movies. There’s never a dull moment with him. I think his personality is a lot more colourful than what’s been shown in the movies.
‘Intelligent subject’
Madhavan is an intelligent subject. He knows what a photographer wants. It was easy to extract the character from him. I am a one light man, and I replicate what nature does. The sun’s light comes from one source. You observe it and use it accordingly. It simplifies things. And that’s the trick here.
‘Admire her politness and punctuality’
We were to shoot at 10 am. After setting up the lights on the location, I decided to go out and stroll thinking actors can never be punctual. But as I was walking out, Vidya walked in, much before her call time. She’s friendly, aware of the best among stylists, designers and make-up artistes. She moves beautifully before the lens. I admire her, also for her straight forwardness and politeness.
‘Just so aloof’
I’ve never come across someone so blissfully unconcerned about a shoot. Anil was least bothered with the people around him. He’s a man of few words and a thorough professional. I had a similar feeling for Sanjay Leela Bhansali too. Anil’s aloofness comes across clearly here.
