NEW DELHI
Millions of PM Narendra Modi acolytes may want to get their hands on the first coffee table book on the PM with over 170 odd photographs shot over a period of ten years by Dilip Thaker.
The text is by noted journalist Ashoo Patel. “A couple of years ago , it was my photographer friend Dilip who had been working on this project, we collaborated,” he said.
The book will be released at a glittering function in Mumbai on 23rd August by well known television actress and central minister Smriti Irani , where select work of the photographer will be exhibited .
Patel has written to the Prime minister and would like him to release the book in Delhi .
It doesn’t end at the book, film director Anurag Kashyap will produce and direct a film based on the book . Patel has so far written over 25 books including one titled The Don on Dawood Abrahim .
Photographer DilipThaker whohas been more in touch with Modi has very fond memories of all his shoots . He says Modi is a very good photographer and very knowledgeable in this art . One morning when I went to photograph him he looked at me, smiled and said ‘this is a new dress I am wearing today and you are the first to shoot pictures.’ and posed for a while . On another time when he was going in a hot balloon once we were in Modi asked me aap ka wide angel kitna hai ? Modi is very particular about his clothes and often makes sure that when he is being photographed no one is in between the frame .
Once when Thaker went for lunch at his place he said – “I need time to speak to you photographers. I keep meeting reporters but don’t get much time to interact with photographers,” he said. Perhaps realizing that a picture is worth more than a thousand words.
Personally, he is very sensitive and sharp .When Thacker’s daughter was getting married he invited Modi who could not attend the wedding but after five months when Thaker met him for a shoot he asked him to come to his chamber and first thing he asked –tell me how is your daughter and Jamaai jee (son in law ) . Thaker was really touched .
Now Ashoo and Dilip hope that the book does well and more importantly if the PM is happy with the work they have done .
