466 - Who Clicked That Pic?
by Nandita da Cunha and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan
“Who Clicked That Pic?” by Nandita da Cunha and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Published by Ektara India. An endearing story inspired by the life of incredible Homai Vyarawalla who was India’s first woman photojournalist.
The story is set in the Bombay of 1930s. It is the morning of Ganesh Chaturthi. Young and confident Pari is already up and ready to set out on an exciting day for her. After all it is the day of a festival and she can try clicking some pictures. If any of them make it to the newspaper, she can get some money to buy a photo-film roll. After all she is on her last roll and can click only ten pics more. She cannot afford to miss this golden opportunity.
Sounds quite simple but it isn’t by any means. For one, Pari has to put in all her efforts to get some good pictures. Secondly, she cannot let out that she took the pictures. After all, women are not encouraged to click pictures. And whoever heard of a woman photojournalist! Pari will have to submit the pictures to Mr. Nakhrawalla’s newspaper in her brother Parvez’s name. Can Pari get that perfect picture? Is the day going to be eventful for her? Read the book that is going to have you turning pages quicker than the ongoing countdown to know what happens :)
This work of fiction inspired by the incredible Homai Vyarawalla was a page turner literally. My nine year old son was curious to know what would be captured in Pari’s frame each time she clicked the camera. As the countdown progressed, the plot thickened and we kept our fingers crossed. Feisty and determined, Pari plodded on and made us cheer for her. The accompanying gorgeous illustrations are quite a treat for the eyes and we couldn’t help getting lost in their details as we read. The last couple of pages have some interesting tidbits from Homai Vyarawalla’s life and a couple of photographs taken by her capturing some historical moments. Having lived in a time when India’s history was at a turning point, she was a witness to key events and captured them for eternity. We were amazed to know about her ethics and how devoted she was to her work. She forged her way into a profession dominated by men and left an everlasting mark through her amazing work.
I first heard about her and saw her work when a travelling exhibition of her works came up at NGMA (National Gallery of Modern Art) in Bengaluru way back in 2011. Given that my husband loves doing photography for a hobby, we visited it with a couple of friends sharing common interests. It was a wonderful day spent looking at the pictures taken by her and the equipments that she used. A film about her life was also screened. We were left awestruck imagining a petite woman wearing a saree and riding a bicycle lugging a 9 kg camera on her back. It is amazing to see a well done children’s book come out about this inspiring woman who is a role model for everyone. Her grit, passion, never give up attitude and standing up for herself no matter what obstacles or comments came her way are just awe inspiring.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 6/7 and above.
Where to buy from?
The publishers Ektara India here.