Exclusive: Did you know Sharvari is a photographer? Talks about how photography has shaped her way of seeing the world

Sharvari’s love for photography, which began years ago with an old-school broken camera that needed a film roll, has now blossomed into a full-fledged passion. She remembers, “My friend’s mom had a camera that wasn’t working. We somehow fixed it, and she let us use it. With that camera, you couldn’t take 10 photos and decide later. You were in the moment completely. I would click pictures and then develop the film. The process felt exciting and magical.”Later, a second-hand Nikon FM10 from a Churchgate store became her loyal travel companion. “The light meter, loading the roll, everything felt like entering a whole new world. Photography is all about the way you see the world. Which moments feel enduring, what emotions pull me in… whether it’s people, architecture or the spirit of a city, a film camera forces you to pick the moment. And that makes every frame special.” ‘Punjab has this peace and positivity that you can feel in the air’When she travelled to Amritsar recently to shoot for Imtiaz Ali’s next film, Sharvari packed her camera. This was her first shoot in Punjab, and she loved the experience. “I’ve absolutely fallen in love — with the food, the people, the culture. Punjab has this peace and positivity that you can feel in the air.”During the shoot, whenever time allowed, she would set out with her camera, documenting the landscapes, the bustle of the streets and the quiet of dawn. The Munjya actress says, “I captured a series there. It reflects Punjab for me - full of warmth, kindness and serenity. I also love clicking pictures of every person I work with. I’m also creating a series for each film — capturing the crew and the people who actually make cinema happen. These behind-the-scenes moments feel so alive.” ‘I now notice architecture more’Photography, she says, has changed the way she travels. “I notice architecture more, the way cities are built for their weather, how roads and buildings are maintained. I pay more attention to people — their moments and moods.” Her dream is to capture the vibrant mood in the city during Ganesh Chaturthi. “It’s my favourite festival. I’ve seen stunning visarjan pictures on Instagram. I hope someday I get to photograph it in all its emotion and glory.”