The concept started with a vague desire to shoot Indian garments in a way seldom shot -unembellished- focusing on the richness of traditional weaves and simplicity of the drape/cut.

We found visual inspiration in the oil portraits by Hemendranath Mazumdar and Raja Ravi Varma. The characters we have tried to portray are roughly inspired by the stories of Saadat Hasan Manto and turn of the century Marathi sangeet-nataks (musical theatre).

Through stage-like makeup, theatrical body language and a Rembrandt-esque light and treatment we have attempted to recreate these characters in the early 19th century European Academic style, albeit in photographic medium instead of on canvas.

 

 

Concept: Uma Damle and Prabhleen Kaur
Styling: Prabhleen Kaur 
Model: Prabhleen Kaur
Make up: Sheeny Kaul
Photography and post-processing: Uma Damle
Big thank you to Laxmi Damle for sourcing and sari draping.