Catching the Doctor’s Lens

With a wide range of travel photography, Doctor Mukesh Batra exhibits his work at a fund raising event at Kalakriti Art Gallery. He shares his thoughts on how practicing art keeps him connected to normal human life

Arundhuti Banerjee

Hyderabadi art lovers experienced the beauty of Greek architecture, culture, streets and beauty of a small island called Mykonos at a photography exhibition titled ‘Magic Moments’ by famous Doctor Mukesh Batra at Kalakriti Art Gallery.

As every single frame was a reflection of Batra’s passion for photography, the self taught photographer shared his initial fascination for the art of photography, “Being a doctor for last 40 years, my profession could have made me insensitive, as my professional world is all about medicine, diagnosis, surgery, human body etc. But it is the power of art that brings me back to normal life.” He started photography nine years ago and is showcasing his work with the association of NGOs to raise fund for charity across the country. “Since I started my photography as a hobby, I never wanted to take it up as profession. But I am fortunate to contribute as a photographer for social cause,” said the doctor.

Photography not only gives him the opportunity to nurture his creative side but also to explore the world as a traveler from a photographer’s view point. Therefore he has been packing his bag for 10-15 days every year and making photo tour. “Though I travel the world during heath conferences and for other professional reasons with my team, I prefer to travel alone on my photo-trip; because clicking photos at -10 degree temperature or walking with a 15 kg camera and lens are not always a joy ride for regular people,” said the passionate hobbyist. Apart from Mumbai, Hyderabad is the only city where he has showcased his work twice courtesy the positive response of city people. “Though I have exhibited my work in various cities like Chennai, Ahmadabad etc., I am so happy and over whelmed with the response of people out here that, I am showcasing my work again,” he concluded.