It’s no mean feat to intrude on a world-class artist’s daily riyaz, with a camera too! But Mahesh Swami’s determination enabled him to do just that. ANSHIKA AJMERA spoke to him on photographing Pt. Jasraj

Click, click, and click…went the shutter of Mahesh Swami’s camera, capturing live the various moods and expressions of the artist. You must be wondering what is so unusual about this. It’s the face of Pt Jasraj, captured off-stage, which most of us, unfortunately, do not get to see.

It was a fine morning when Mahesh got the news that Pt Jasraj was coming to Jaipur. He quickly grabbed his camera bag and ran to where the maestro was resting. For Swami, things went perfectly since morning as if it was all destined to happen.

“I remember when I reached the place, Jasrajji’s help allowed me to enter without asking him or giving me an appointment,” says Swami. He recalls with a glow on his face, “As I entered he was doing his riyaz. I silently took out my camera and gestured, asking for his permission and he said ‘Jai ho’! And my camera went crazy.”

Mahesh Swami, a freelance photographer who doubles as faculty at MNIT has showcased the best of Pt Jasraj’s expressions and moods through his photographs. These and sketches by Shishir Bhatt are being exhibited at Jawahar Kala Kendra till March 5.

It is generally said Panditji is a moody person. So how did he manage to get him to open the show? “Jasrajji said he was keen to see the pictures. And he gave me an inaugural date on the very day that I clicked him. I just planned accordingly,” smiles Swami.

Swami believes it’s his the right and clear attitude that has led him to where he is today. And with the blessings of Panditji he feels things will turn tremendously in the coming days.

This exhibition has added a new chapter in my life. It has really touched me a lot. It is something special when a person organises a special exhibition showing his love for you.-

Pt Jasraj 

Anshika Ajmera/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication