Acclaimed filmmaker and producer Manish Mundra has ventured into a new creative territory with the release of his debut photography book, "Wild Africa: Through My Lens." Known for backing critically acclaimed films such as "Masaan" (2015) and "Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi" (2019), the 52-year-old artist is now showcasing his passion for wildlife photography through this hardbound coffee table book published by Rupa Publications.
In a candid interview, Mundra made a surprisingly bold statement about his expectations for the book's commercial success. "I don't expect it to sell," he declared without hesitation. This honest admission reflects his approach to the project, which was driven purely by passion rather than commercial considerations. The filmmaker explained that he saw a void in quality wildlife photography work and decided to fill it, regardless of market expectations.
Mundra's journey to creating this book spans over a decade of wildlife photography. "It took me almost 10 years to muster the courage to collate my clicks for the world's viewing," he revealed. The decision to finally publish came in the last 2-3 years when he decided to create a coffee table book that could be sent to libraries across the country. His goal is ambitious yet altruistic: "For people to not just see but also feel the magic of wildlife and get motivated to capture it, too."
The book captures some of the most adorable and charismatic moments of wild animals in their natural habitat, with images that will make readers pause as they flip through the pages. Among all the subjects he has photographed, Mundra found leopards to be the most challenging. "Leopards were the most difficult to click as they are very shy," the lensman revealed, highlighting the patience and skill required for wildlife photography.
As an avid traveler who takes his camera everywhere, Mundra has photographed cities like Paris, Switzerland, and Italy. While he hints at the possibility of future books featuring these urban landscapes, his two-decade relationship with Africa made it the natural choice for his first photography book. "I've been in Africa for 20 years, and wildlife gives me that resting place, I chose this subject for my first photo book," he explained.
Mundra's dedication to African wildlife is evident in his regular visits to some of the continent's most renowned wildlife destinations. "Every year, a couple of times, I visit Masai Mara and Serengeti," he shared. These locations offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography, complete with knowledgeable guides who can even predict when the next hunt will happen, providing photographers with invaluable insights into animal behavior.
The experience of photographing wildlife has taught Mundra valuable lessons about patience, discipline, and humility. "You have to be really patient with Nature, and follow it with discipline to get the right moment at the right point," he emphasized. This philosophy extends beyond photography technique to encompass a deeper understanding of nature's rhythms and demands.
The practical challenges of wildlife photography are significant, as Mundra learned through experience. "The best pictures are clicked between 7am to 9am or 10am. You cannot get up at 9am and think you would go late and find those shots," he explained, emphasizing the importance of early morning dedication. The unpredictable nature of wildlife photography also presents unique obstacles: "There were many incidents when we were stuck for hours due to the rains. Also, you never know when you could get attacked since the jeeps are open."
Despite acknowledging that he didn't want to compromise on printing quality and knowing exactly where to invest his money, Mundra's approach reflects a broader philosophy about life and art. "There's only one life to live," he stated, explaining his decision to prioritize passion over profit in this endeavor. This sentiment captures the essence of an artist who has consistently chosen to let his heart lead the way, whether in backing cinema stories or capturing the wild beauty of Africa through his lens.
