‘Doors of Pondicherry’, by Shanti Travel
Shanti Travel Pondic
An interview with Vijay Aroquiaradjou
Q: What do you do in life?
A: I am working as an illustrator designer in Pondicherry.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I like painting using water colors, and obviously photography is my main hobby. I also enjoy doing my job.
Q: What do you like most about photography?
A: It is a creative vision of the photographer; it expresses one’s perceptions and emotions and allows us to share them with others. I like most of North Indian photography.
Q: How did you start photography?
A: The white town is a show case of Pondicherry; one can see its big colonial mansions, its beautiful boulevards and placid promenades. The tourists love taking pictures of such a beautifulPondicherry. I also admire and am inspired by the beauty of the French quarter, and thus started taking photos too.
Q: Why this exhibition, Doors of Pondicherry?
A: Pondicherry doors are a symbol of culture and tradition, it is an identification of the inhabitants, and I wanted to expose these heritage doors to the tourists and the citizens themselves.
Q: How did you organize your work for that exhibition?
A: My theme is related to Heritage and Tourism so I organized this show with the guidance and support of INTACH and Pondicherry tourism department.
Q: Which is your favorite door and why?
A: My favorite door is Maison Anandaranga Pillai, located in the same street. This house is a beautiful blend of both French and Indian styles. Its door is engraved with elegant designs of Tamil Culture. It is the best preserved 18th century Tamil building in Pondicherry.
Q: Do you want to become a professional photographer?
A: Yes I do !
Q: Tell me name of a photographer you admire.
A: Bradley Ormesher.