Opening Doorz

By Jemimah D’Souza | Opening Doorz Editorial | May 12, 2025

Mid-day photographer Ashish Rane’s ‘Mumbai From Above’ photography exhibition is currently being held at the Press Club, Mumbai. The exhibition, which opened on May 02, 2025, showcases unique aerial photographs of Mumbai city, aptly titled.

Ashish Rane, a photographer with a career spanning over 25 years and the recipient of over 18 National and local awards, states his motivation for capturing the city from an elevated perspective: “I just wanted to do something different and shoot various aerial shots of Mumbai,” remarks the lanky photographer, sporting a distinctive Osibisa-like tuft of hair.

His unique approach becomes evident when he advises, “At any public event, you’ll often see a large group of photographers gathered in one spot. Capturing the same shot as everyone else can be uninspiring. I believe in standing out from the crowd. Whenever you find yourself with a group of photographers at a particular location, try moving to a different spot to capture a unique angle.“

Opening Doorz visited the exhibition at the Press Club and engaged in a brief conversation with Ashish Rane.

Excerpts:

To begin with, what prompted you to pursue photography as a profession?

I am an alumnus of the JJ School of Arts. In my final year, I chose photography as a subject, primarily because it offered good scoring opportunities. I initially worked as an artist in various advertising agencies before ultimately transitioning to photography.

When you made the shift to photography, did you join a publication?

No, I started with wedding photography. When it became monotonous, I decided to venture into the world of journalism.

Do you recall your very first photograph?

My first unofficial photograph was published in a national publication. It was of BJP leader Ramdas Nayak, who had been shot dead. I was the first person to reach the scene and capture the images. Initially, I was unsure about whom to give the pictures to. However, a day before the funeral, a gentleman from a Delhi publication took the photograph from me and published it. That marked my first byline in the Organiser.

My first official assignment was when Aishwarya Rai arrived in Mumbai in the wee hours of the morning from Sun City, South Africa, after winning the Miss India crown in 1994.

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I shoot all types of pictures, ranging from hard news to soft features and Bollywood personalities.

What inspired the concept ‘Mumbai From Above’?

I wanted to try something different and capture various shots of Mumbai. One day, the idea of taking aerial shots of the city came to me. Everyone asks the same question: “Did you shoot this from a helicopter?” However, the truth is that I utilised the terraces of the numerous high-rises that have sprung up across the city in the last two decades.

How many pictures did you shoot?

I have exhibited 33 images. However, I have shot over 100 photographs since 2014. It took me nearly a decade to complete this series.

Was it challenging to find the right ‘spot’ to achieve the bird’s-eye view you desired?

Yes and no. The primary challenge was obtaining permission from the office bearers of the various housing societies in the high-rises near my chosen locations. Once I was positioned on top, everything progressed smoothly.

Is there a particular message you aim to convey through this exhibition?

At any public event, you’ll often see a large group of photographers gathered in one spot. Capturing the same shot as everyone else can be uninspiring. I believe in standing out from the crowd. Whenever you find yourself with a group of photographers at a particular location, try moving to a different spot to capture a unique angle.

What do you consider the highlight of your career?

I have won 18 awards in various clubs and at the national level. Additionally, I have been fortunate to have supportive individuals around me who have consistently encouraged me. The editors I have worked with years have also been a constant source of encouragement.

Is there any particular image from the exhibition that holds a special place in your heart?

The one I took of Dadar TT. The Coastal Road is another image I particularly like, along with the shot from Saat Rasta.

Are there any other exhibitions in the pipeline?

I am considering various subjects, but nothing has been finalised yet.

How supportive has Mid-Day been with this exhibition?

Sachin Kalbagh, the Executive Editor of Mid-day, has been a significant source of support and encouragement. He selected the 33 pictures displayed at The Press Club. Furthermore, his suggestion to keep the text minimal proved highly effective, encouraging viewers to focus more on the images than the accompanying text.

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