HYDERABAD: On this year’s World Tribal Day, MC Shekhar, a prominent photographer from the Telugu states, is in the spotlight for his exceptional work in capturing the essence of tribal life. His dedication to this niche has earned him significant acclaim and may soon lead to a place in the Guinness World Records.
Shekhar has traveled extensively across India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, to document tribal communities. He particularly praises Araku Valley as a standout location for his work, having visited it over 500 times and conducted more than 250 workshops there. Inspired by his mentor Rajan Babu, a renowned pictorial master, Shekhar continues to carry forward his legacy.
Describing his motivation, Shekhar says, “I wanted to showcase the lifestyle of these innocent people through my photography.” He also has plans to extend his reach internationally, with aspirations to photograph tribes in Kenya and Indonesia in the future.
With 34 years of experience, Shekhar, originally from Sircilla, has made significant contributions to various photography genres, including landscape, nature, fashion, and glamour. His diverse portfolio has garnered him around 150 honors, including 10 grand master titles—making him a unique figure in Indian photography.
Shekhar has actively contributed to the photography community by organizing workshops, including free sessions in collaboration with the Telangana government for rural photographers. His efforts have not only enhanced his reputation but also supported the development of aspiring photographers.
He is currently pursuing additional honors with hopes of achieving a Guinness World Record for his achievements. “If I receive five to ten more honors, I aim to secure a place in the Guinness World Records soon,” Shekhar concludes.
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