Portraits from the past: A peek into the work of lensman JH Thakker
Lensman JH Thakker, a master of light and shadow, immortalised some of the leading film stars of his time at his still photo studio in Mumbai
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In this still, actor-singer Suraiya has been highlighted using ‘rim lighting’ (also called hair lights), a technique used to outline the subject
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A publicity still for Chori Chori (1956), one of the last films the popular pair appeared in together, that uses Thakker’s signature low-key lighting
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A publicity still for Dilli Ka Thug (1958). The lighting is such that it allows her image to be cropped along the silhouette for use in various publicity materials
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For a publicity still for Footpath (1953). Interestingly, Footpath was the last film in which the thespian was seen smoking on screen
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Madhubala was a frequent visitor to India Photo Studio. The foliage in the background was sourced from Chitra Cinema’s garden, next to the studio
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A shot reminiscent of American film noir of the 1950s, where characters were often seen with a cigarette hanging from their lips
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