Rahul’s work has beautifully encapsulated the essence of numerous notable personalities, making him a prominent name in the world of portrait photography. He has worked with many well-known A-list celebrities, including Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Virat Kohli, Hrithik Roshan, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Shubhman Gill, Tara Sutaria, Ranbir Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Aditya Roy Kapur, Athiya Shetty, Janhvi Kapoor and Ananya Pandey, to mention a few, as he photographed their red carpet looks, events and awards shows, magazine covers and brand endorsements.
In this exclusive chat with .com, Rahul Jhangiani offers insights into his life-changing path from science student to well-known photographer. He explores the sources of inspiration that drove his change, his remarkable encounters with A-list stars, and his forays into the worlds of design, cuisine, and fitness in this interview.
Excerpts from the interview:
Can you tell us about your journey from being a science student to becoming a renowned celebrity photographer and now an entrepreneur? What inspired this transition?
Assisting Mr. Subi Samuel, who was actually my neighbour at the time, was the moment I realised that photography was not just a hobby but my true passion. The rush I felt when capturing the perfect shot, the thrill of watching a vision come to life through the lens, and the excitement of being part of such a vibrant and dynamic industry fueled my desire to pursue photography professionally.
Your portfolio boasts an impressive list of A-list celebrities you’ve worked with. Could you share a memorable experience or project that stands out to you from your work with these personalities?
Diljit Dosanjh gave me the incredible opportunity to shoot the album cover for his upcoming international release. It was an unexpected and last-minute arrangement. The entire process of shooting Diljit’s album cover was an adventure in and of itself. Despite the spontaneous nature of the shoot, we were able to secure a rundown sound equipment storage facility in Mumbai, allowing us to create a unique and visually enticing backdrop. Diljit’s willingness to experiment and push creative boundaries always brings out the best in me as a photographer.
As a celebrity and fashion photographer, how do you stay inspired and keep your work fresh?
As creators, it becomes our responsibility to ensure we satisfy this inherent craving for something different, something unexpected. For me personally, travelling has emerged as my biggest source of inspiration. Setting foot in new surroundings, unfamiliar cultures, and witnessing diverse perspectives have all significantly contributed to my creative process.
You’ve co-founded TC1, a tech-driven fitness corporation specialising in EMS training. How did you venture into the fitness industry, and what innovations does TC1 bring to the fitness market?
My friend Ishaan Verma who is a fitness enthusiast, was in talks with me for a while about a collaboration. It was his latest brainchild, TC1, that particularly impressed me.
TC1 harnesses the power of modern technology by incorporating EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) into one’s workout routine, enabling individuals like you and me to achieve the best results in minimal time. This revolutionary approach to fitness seeks to simplify workouts while maximising efficiency, allowing anyone to get in top shape conveniently.
You’re also an investor in Metaman, the first Indian men’s jewellery brand, and its affordable version, Drip Project. What motivated you to invest in this particular industry?
Men’s jewellery has long been an underrepresented segment in the Indian market, often overlooked or overshadowed by women’s accessories. However, with changing times and evolving fashion trends, there is a growing demand for unique and stylish jewellery pieces tailored specifically for men.
Having initially embarked on my journey in the fashion industry with a particular affinity for men’s fashion, it was exhilarating to come across a platform like Metaman.
Apart from this, you also own a restaurant called Los Cavos, which has become the celebrities’ favourite hangout place. Please tell us a little bit about it and what makes it stand out.
Los Cavos is a Latin American restaurant in the heart of Mumbai, Bandra. The idea here was to feel completely cut off from the city and from your surroundings, and feel like you are in Latin America with the bohemian type of interiors. To make this even more ecstatic and bring authentic experiences for the people of Mumbai, we brought in chef Rafael Estremadoyro García. The restaurant offers curative cocktails and Peruvian cuisine like Bachiche Ceviche, tuna tiradito, Ca-Vos-Nara, karaage chicken, veggie chaufa rice, churros and more.
A camera is a photographer’s best friend. What is your vision and thinking when it comes to shooting something that isn’t related to renowned personalities and fashion?
I strongly believe that it doesn’t matter whether you are shooting a renowned personality or a model. The most crucial aspect is to extract the best out of whatever subject you are working on. Every subject carries its own unique beauty and capturing it in the right way is what truly matters
How is it for a photographer behind the lens? Especially with long-hour shoots to get just the right pictures.
Time does not always play a significant role when it comes to capturing the perfect shot. Sometimes, it may take just a couple of minutes to achieve the desired result, whereas in other instances, it could take several hours. The factors that determine the duration include your comfort level with your subject and how quickly you can seize the perfect moment. So, do not worry about time constraints but rather concentrate on building a rapport with your subject and capturing those fleeting moments.
There are hardships and challenges in every field; could you tell us about a few challenges you faced in the transition period?
It is a normal process to face hurdles and make mistakes along the way. However, the key is to learn from these challenges and use them as opportunities for growth. Each mistake should serve as a stepping stone towards improving your skills and making your work stand out. Do not be discouraged by initial setbacks; instead, embrace them and strive to enhance your abilities.
