Dabboo Ratnani is no ordinary photographer. For over 25 years, he’s been the go-to guy for Bollywood celebs who want to be captured with style and soul.
His famous annual calendar started in 2000 when people thought the idea was odd. Today, it’s a yearly event in the film industry and even made its way into the Oxford library.
Dabboo didn’t come from a film family. As a kid, he loved gadgets and flipping through magazines. When his dad gave him a camera, he knew he wanted to freeze emotions in a single frame.
Before becoming a household name, he learned the ropes by assisting photographers like Sumeet Chopra. That’s where his love for cinematic images took shape.
Photography, for him, isn’t just about gear—it’s about the vibe. He brings out the real side of stars like Hrithik Roshan and Kiara Advani, making sure they feel relaxed, not posed.
His biggest support system? Family. His wife Manisha and three kids work closely with him on the calendar project, making it a true family tradition. Despite awards and fame, Dabboo stays grounded. “I just followed the light,” he says.