For actress Sharvari, photography is not just a hobby but a profound artistic journey that began with a simple, broken camera. Her love for capturing moments started years ago with an old-school device that required a film roll to function. She fondly recalls, "My friend's mom had a camera that wasn't working. We somehow fixed it, and she let us use it. With that camera, you couldn't take 10 photos and decide later. You were in the moment completely. I would click pictures and then develop the film. The process felt exciting and magical."
From Churchgate to Cinematic Frames: The Evolution of a Passion
This initial spark grew into a full-fledged passion when Sharvari acquired a second-hand Nikon FM10 from a store in Churchgate, Mumbai. This camera became her loyal travel companion, opening up new creative horizons. She explains, "The light meter, loading the roll, everything felt like entering a whole new world. Photography is all about the way you see the world. Which moments feel enduring, what emotions pull me in... whether it's people, architecture or the spirit of a city, a film camera forces you to pick the moment. And that makes every frame special."
Capturing Amritsar: A Photographic Love Affair with Punjab
Sharvari recently traveled to Amritsar for a shoot for Imtiaz Ali's upcoming film, and she made sure to pack her camera. This marked her first professional experience in Punjab, and it left a lasting impression. She shares, "I've absolutely fallen in love — with the food, the people, the culture. Punjab has this peace and positivity that you can feel in the air."
During breaks in the shoot, she would venture out with her camera, documenting the diverse scenes around her. From the serene landscapes to the bustling streets and the quiet moments of dawn, Sharvari immersed herself in the visual storytelling of the region. The Munjya actress reveals, "I captured a series there. It reflects Punjab for me - full of warmth, kindness and serenity."
Behind-the-Scenes: Documenting the Magic of Cinema
Beyond her travels, Sharvari has extended her photographic passion to her film sets. She loves clicking pictures of every person she works with and is creating a series for each film project. She says, "I'm also creating a series for each film — capturing the crew and the people who actually make cinema happen. These behind-the-scenes moments feel so alive." This initiative allows her to preserve the unseen efforts and emotions that go into filmmaking, adding a personal touch to her professional journey.
Photography Transforms Travel and Artistic Vision
Sharvari notes that photography has fundamentally changed how she experiences travel and observes the world. She explains, "I notice architecture more, the way cities are built for their weather, how roads and buildings are maintained. I pay more attention to people — their moments and moods." This heightened awareness enriches her artistic perspective, influencing both her photography and acting.
Looking ahead, Sharvari dreams of capturing the vibrant energy of Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi. She expresses, "It's my favourite festival. I've seen stunning visarjan pictures on Instagram. I hope someday I get to photograph it in all its emotion and glory." This aspiration highlights her desire to blend personal passion with cultural celebration, aiming to create frames that resonate with emotion and authenticity.
