Dabboo Ratnani: I wanted to have Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif on the calendar this year, but it didn’t work out!

In a candid conversation, the ace celebrity photographer talks about his recently launched calendar and more…

Dabboo Ratnani’s calendar is nothing less than a big carnival in Bollywood. The famous photographer launched the 16th edition of his annual celebrity calendar last night. I caught up with Dabboo at the launch and in a candid chat, he talked about some behind-the-scene moments and much more. Excerpts!

Ranveer Singh, Jacqueline Fernandez and Shraddha Kapoor have made their debut on your calendar this year. How different was it working with these newcomers?

Ranveer and I worked for the first time and it was brilliant. He really has a great energy. Jacqueline and I know each other from a long time, but this is the first time we shot for the calendar. She is really beautiful and makes great pictures. And so with Shraddha. She has a great body, gorgeous face and a lot of confidence. I wish there were more months so that I could feature other newcomers in it.

You shot with Priyanka on a bike few years back and this time we have her posing with a car. What is this obsession with vehicles?

I don’t think it’s an obsession, it’s actually what makes you feel good. Priyanka’s shot this time is very fashionable and high on energy.

Were there any other celebrities in your wishlist, but couldn’t make it to the calendar this year?

Yes, I wanted to have Salman (Khan) and Katrina (Kaif), but due to their busy schedules, it didn’t work out. I have decided that next year, I will shoot with them early and have them on the calendar.

I have heard that Shah Rukh Khan makes you chase a lot every year. Did it happen this time around as well?

In fact this time SRK’s picture was shot first. Because he was ready with his body for Happy New Year. So it was a perfect time to do it.

Name one international celebrity whom you always wanted to have on your calendar

I think Madonna. I had a childhood crush on her. Even today, I think she makes amazing pictures.

Which was the most challenging picture this year?

I think each one had it’s own challenge. Some pictures had a challenge with pre-production, whereas there were some with post-production challenges. I put in as much effort in every picture.

If you were to select one celebrity for the whole calendar, who would it be?

I wouldn’t do a one actor calendar.But I would love to shoot 24 different calendars with 24 different celebrities (Laughs).

Which is the most innovative picture that you shot this year?

It has to be Abhishek’s (Bachchan). It’s a giant and a miniature concept. I have done pictures with a dwarf and giants earlier, but it didn’t work out so well because of which we didn’t release the picture. So I though why not bring the same concept back. I think we all evolve with times. So it’s innovative in it’s own way.

You have shot with a lot of pets over the years, but this time we don’t see any on your calendar. Why?

Last year, I lost my pet, which is why I chose to stay away from shooting with pets. But next year, I might do a whole calendar with animals and celebrities.

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