Nanda Family Portraits at India Photo Studio May'07

I would like to thank I. J. Khatri and Vimal Thakker for these images taken at the famous "India Photo Studio" located at 200, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Near Chitra Cinema, Dadar, Mumbai 400014. Vimal took over from his father who was a legendary studio photographer "J.H. Thakker". J. H. Thakker had shot images of movie icons in the glory days in the very same studio. This very well known photographer has taken portraits and images of virtually the who's who of 1950's & 60's Indian cinemas. Many of those images particularly in B&W still hang in that studio. Mr. Khatri and he spent quality time together.

Stepping into the studio in Dadar was like stepping into a time machine and going back some 50 years - nice old wooden furniture, old dingy lights and light stands - all with one small difference - there was a digital camera and a computer strapped to it which took these pictures. The old cameras are still there and in working conditions!

Vimal's father, Jayesh H. Thakker who passed away a couple of years ago, used to accompany his father Hansraj Thakker to the studio in early 1920s in Quetta (Pakistan). After the great earthquake of 1934, they moved to Karachi and the to Mumbai where the studio is still in operation by Vimal. Even into his 80 years of age, Vimal's father used to come to the studio and actively take pictures. It was a pleasure to be in this historic place where the likes of Dev Anand, Guru Dutt, Dilip Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Madhubala and so many others were photographed.

This was also special for our family as it was the 5th of May, 2007 which was Papa's birthday.