26th Jan 2015 – 31st Jan 2015 [Republic Day ]

26^th Mon: This year has 6 long week end. Many holidays are falling on Friday or Monday. The very first long weekend passed, as Monday was 26^th Jan, Republic day. After thirty years I spent my day watching 26^th Republic Day parade on TV.  In 80’s when first time I had seen this parade in color, I had promised to visit Delhi, just to enjoy the feeling of being proud Indian, the promise remains unfulfilled. The grand Rajpath, the proud soldiers, perfect marching units, diversity of India and USA president as guest was a show stopper. And on top of it, the sprinkling of rains made everything look so fresh and clean. I am sure, those present will carry the memory of this day for life.

Avi and Rinky both are born in February, Avi in year 1972. Rinky will soon have special mentions in my blog, this week it is Avi's turn.

I still remember the day he was born. We had just returned from school and found mummy was not at home. Where is mummy? Pushpa aunty suddenly appeared, all smiles. Even before I asked her, where is mummy, she said, [in sindhi] 'Brother has come'. What?
From day one, Lali and myself enjoyed being big brothers of Avi. Mummy would give responsibility to us to take care of Avi,. He was very cute, cried very little and was always playful. For me he was first ever ready model, whom I clicked at my whim. During that time I had just learned few basics of photography, I would plan with Lali and shot Avi after elaborated planning and settings. 

 This picture is result of side lighting lesson, learned from Mr Pillai of Indo American Society. Excellent angle, composition and perfect use of window lights. See how like a obedient brother Avi is posing, with flower placed at right angle, his tongue out with direct look in camera. 

 Idea was to show a cliff hanger picture. Dare devil attitude, risky kid enjoying outing in terrace. In background is Somaiya Ground, where today Neelkanth Valley is built. I wounder how we managed to click him, as kids at this age are hyper and keep moving.

 Now this is taken after Avi started going to school. This was on a rainy afternoon. With the cap, cigarette in hand, rain coat in place of warm long coat is an attempt to make him look a great detective, seriously sorting out murder mystery in his mind. 

The main clincher for the success of this foto is just perfect expression on Avi's face. As if Contemplating and taking all small things seriously.  

Jump few years and here is Avi in his sober avtar.  
 He got busy in his school, lali after college, shifted to Pune and I was busy in Office. So the photo opportunities got sacrificed in daily survival efforts. This is maybe last planned photo shoot.
















Breaking News: Today, 1st Feb 2015, Lali - Manju - Sharat have appeared in TOI as happy family enjoying selfie time at 'Happy Street' last sunday! An exclusive picture.


by P G Dodeja