Kunal Daswani is a city-based photographer who was recently given the Best Fashion and Celebrity award at the International Camera Festival. He dabbled in music, banking and finally with a little help from his then girlfriend (now wife), photography came into the picture. Inspired by International photographer
Mario Testino, he also loves the unpredictability of fashion photography!
What makes you a Chennaiite?
My love for filter coffee, the fact that my Tamil is better than my Hindi (even though I’m north Indian) and my fondness for everything the city has to offer— makes me a Chennaiite.
Your favourite spot in the city and why?
The beach — any of Chennai’s beautiful beaches.
Where would you take a non-Chennaiite friend on his first visit to Chennai?
If they’re visiting during the day, Mahabalipuram Beach, at night I’d take them to Q Bar at the Hilton.
Three Madras bashai you would teach him/her?
Macha, Da and Aiyo
A Chennai-based celebrity or any personality whom you would like to go out with?
I would love to meet and have a conversation with
Sundar Pichai.
Idli or masala dosa?
Neither. Nothing beats a crisp ghee roast sada dosa.
Enge ooru madrasu — things you think is synonymous to the city?
A beautiful sunrise over the ocean. Filter coffee at Saravana Bhavan. A classical music concert at Music Academy. Late evenings at Amethyst cafe. Rowing in the Adyar River.
A stereotype about chennaiites that you hate
The stereotypical South Indian accent that people seem to think all south indians have.
Which is the restaurant in Chennai that serves the best chutney?
A toss up between Saravana Bhavan and Murugan
Idli Shop.
Beaches, the shopping places, the historic food joints, where would you prefer to unwind?
The beach, any day.
Best place for a selfie?
At the top of the lighthouse, where you can also get a fantastic view of the entire city.
If you had to have a saree photo shoot, which location would you choose?
Maybe someplace unusual like the Theosophical Society, or any garden like Amethyst Cafe.