Shiresh R Karrale, photographer
Gautam is one the best human beings I came across. He never underestimated any photographer, not even newcomers and was always willing to teach.
For the past eight months we were working on devising a photography curriculum for Pune’s Symbiosis Institute. In fact, were going to leave for Pune early this morning (September 13) for the inauguration of the Symbiosis Photography School. Being the project head, I’d discuss the curriculum with Gautam who is the chairperson for the school. He was always willing to teach, and loved interacting with students.
He never said never. There is nobody like him in India. Every moment spent with him was special. The first few and last few minutes of any conversation with him entailed his personal experiences, how he fought odds and tackled problems.
He will always be known for his fantastic portraits. He always made a point to understand the person whose portrait he shot.
The portrait he shot of Sachin Tendulkar with a bat and a ball remains my favourite. The ball meant Sachin’s world.
September 16 happens to be his birthday. Just yesterday (September 12) I bought him a watch and a shawl. He loved shawls. I wanted to give him a surprise on our Pune visit. Our every Pune visit would be spent at the Symbiosis guest house where we chatted, joked, shared experiences. I will miss his company the most. I will miss the human that Gautam was the most.
As told to Blessy Chettiar
