Gautam has left infinite memories in black-and-white and colour

Every picture the legendary Gautam Rajadhyaksha shot is timeless. He was a gifted photographer who pioneered the way portraiture was done in the country. He lent glamour to every frame and turned every face into visual artistry, right from Tina Munim-Ambani to Madhuri Dixit to Amitabh Bachchan. Film stars hang up pictures shot by him on their walls, not as a narcissistic exercise, but because they consider his pictures precious art. His passing on 13 September, three days before his 61st birthday, has left infinite memories in black-and-white and colour, but the most indelible impression he has left behind is on the people he worked with, no doubt. Every star has an interesting story to tell of their first interaction with the talented photographer who always wore Indian clothes with the shawl that became his signature look, or of their favourite picture shot by him. [caption id=“attachment_83816” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Every star has an interesting story to tell of their first interaction with the talented photographer who always wore Indian clothes with the shawl that became his signature look. Image from ibnlive.com”] [/caption] Very few leave the world being as loved as he, especially in show business. He was multi-faceted with a talent for writing (films like Bekhudi and Anjaam) and singing. The late photographer’s funeral was held at Chandanwadi in Juhu, Mumbai, yesterday. Here is what Bollywood had to say on hearing of his passing: Madhuri Dixit: My dear friend, Gautam Rajadhyaksha, passed away. I will miss him immensely. The world has lost a great photographer and lovely human being. I have lost a great friend in Gautam passing away. Karan Johar: Gautam Rajadhyaksha was one my most favourite people in the fraternity… funny, sensitive and always positive. I love you Gautam and I miss u. When I was hugely overweight, Gautam told me, “Darling… not that it makes a difference but try to give me your left profile…it may help!” A deep sense of loss…we lost the one man who captured every movie star with his lens and his heart…RIP Gautam…you will remain forever! Shobhaa De: My darling Gautam Rajadhyaksha no more. Saddened beyond belief. Farewell confidante-cousin. Thank you for your generous love and soft focus memories. [fpgallery id =218] Abhishek Bachchan: The first time I ever did a professional photo shoot was in front of the lens of the great Gautam Rajadhyaksha. He was a pioneer in glamour… Photography and possibly one of the sweetest and most gentle people you would ever meet. Rest in peace Gautam, you will be greatly missed. Amitabh Bachchan: Gautam Rajadhyaksha — the most gentlest of humans, and one of the finest photographers in the Industry, a friend, family favorite… RIP. Too shocked to learn of Gautam! Were talking about him just the other day. Many of his pictures adorn our house and our books. Gautam! You have left behind a legacy that shall keep you in our hearts forever… pictures that you took shall be with us always! Still thinking of Gautam and his sweet and endearing ways… his lovely apartment full of old world charm and glory… such a huge loss. Lata Mangeshkar: Hum sabke priya mitra, bahot bade photographer, acche gayak, acche lekhak, aur bahot hi acche insan Gautam Rajadhyaksha ji ka aaj subha dehaant hua, humare liye ye bahot dukh ki baat hai,mujhe kadam kadam pe ek acche insan ki yaad aati rahegi,main ishwar se prarthana karti hun ki ishwar unki aatma ko shanti de. Shekhar Kapur: Shocked to learn Gautam Rajadhakshya passed away. A great photographer, artist, old friend and supporter. Mumbai’s best Opera collection, best original portrait photographer of film people and great cook. Shabana Azmi: Gautam! Anything I wish to say sounds trite and doesn’t match up. Goodbye dearest friend. Why? No answers…You were loved so. Farhan Akhtar: Rest in Peace, Gautam. Will miss you and remember you with fondest memories. Riteish Deshmukh: Rest in peace Gautam Rajadhyaksha — every photographer aspired to be him n every face wanted to b captured by him — will miss you. Javed Akhtar: Ik dost aag odhay hamesha ko so gaya - ik hissa meri zindagi ka rakh ho gaya.

Gautam has left infinite memories in black-and-white and colour

Rajadhyaksha’s passing on 13 September, three days before his 61st birthday, has left indelible impressions on the people he worked with.

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