HT@100 My Country My Lens | Malavika Mohanan: Wildlife Photography is Meditative for Me
The Serenity of the Wild: My Country, My Lens
In a world dominated by the fast-paced lives of actors, Malavika Mohanan, the talented actress, has discovered a different kind of passion – wildlife photography. As we sat down to talk to her about her love for the wild, she shared her fascination with the jungle and the life within it. HT@100 My Country My Lens | Malavika Mohanan: Wildlife photography is meditative for me, I explore the world of wildlife photography through her eyes.
A Jungle that Enchants
As a child, Malavika Mohanan was raised in the bustling city of Mumbai, amidst the steel and concrete jungle. However, it was her twenties that took her on a journey to the wilderness, which would ultimately become her sanctuary. A friend, who was an avid safari-goer, invited her on a trip that was unlike any other. "We explored parts of the forest that most tourists never get to see. That’s when the spark was lit. I was hooked, and I thought to myself, ‘I want to do this more often.’"
The Serenity of the Wild
For Malavika, wildlife photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s a way to disconnect from the chaos of her acting career and reconnect with nature. "I love the fact that it’s so different from my work. It’s kind of meditative," she shares. And it’s no surprise that she found solace in the stillness of the wild. A photo taken on a trip to Wayanad, Kerala, of a lone tusker charging towards them, remains etched in her memory. "It was such a special moment because it felt so raw and true to nature. It wasn’t just about taking a picture; it was about capturing a genuine, fleeting moment. That made it unforgettable."
A Photo That Holds a Special Place in Her Heart
There’s one particular photo that remains close to Malavika’s heart – a moment she describes as "meaningful." While on a safari in the Serengeti, Africa, she captured a moment when a leopard, having caught a deer, looked directly at them. "I managed to capture that moment on camera. It was such a beautiful, raw, and special experience, and to me, that’s the most meaningful photo I’ve taken so far."
Balancing Acting and Photography
With her demanding acting schedule, Malavika has limited time to pursue her passion for wildlife photography. "When I’m acting, I can sometimes work for weeks or even months on end, jumping from one set to another. It’s not the craft of acting that burns me out – it’s the long hours, the constant travel, and being surrounded by people all the time." On her days off, she seeks solace in nature. "When I get 4 or 5 days off, I love escaping to a forest. My last safari was actually to Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra."
My Country, My Lens: A Journey Through Photography
As she looks back on her journey with the camera, Malavika is grateful for the opportunity to explore the world through the lens. "I’d love to see the world through the eyes of other budding photographers. I’m excited to experience their unique perspectives – how they capture a moment, how they frame it, and how they choose to tell their story through photography." And with the HT@100 My Country My Lens photo contest, she has found a platform to do just that.
Join the Journey: My Country, My Lens
HT@100 My Country My Lens is a celebration of 100 years of Hindustan Times through photography. Join us on this journey by voting for your favorite entries and sharing your own stories of the wild. Click here to participate in the contest and be a part of this photographic journey.
HT@100 My Country My Lens | Malavika Mohanan: Wildlife photography is meditative for me is a testament to the power of photography in capturing the beauty of the wild and the serenity it brings to those who experience it.
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