Key Highlights: 1. Munna Thaakur, a former cart puller, has transformed into a renowned celebrity photographer, capturing iconic personalities like Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.
2. Munna’s humble beginnings as a newspaper hawker in Mumbai allowed him to interact with movie stars, eventually leading him to pursue photography.
3. Despite lacking formal education, Munna’s talent and determination propelled him to success, photographing numerous A-list celebrities and gaining recognition in the industry.
11th June 2023,Mumbai: Munna Thaakur, a prominent celebrity photographer, has had the privilege of working with the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. His extraordinary journey from a cart puller to a sought-after photographer is a testament to his passion and perseverance.
From Newspaper Hawker to Celebrity Photographer
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Munna Thaakur revealed the remarkable story of how he transitioned from a humble newspaper hawker to a renowned celebrity photographer. Having arrived in Mumbai from Akola, Maharashtra at the age of 15, Munna embarked on his career by delivering newspapers to the homes of movie stars in the bustling Lokhandwala area.
During his early years, Munna worked various odd jobs, including a brief stint as a cart puller. He also took on part-time work at a picture studio, where he honed his skills as a newspaper salesperson and became familiar with the art of photography under the guidance of Bilal Khan. One fateful encounter with actor Arjun Rampal changed the course of his life when Munna expressed his desire to photograph him. Despite lacking a portfolio, Munna’s determination and promise led Arjun to give him a chance, ultimately marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
An Extraordinary Portfolio
Over the years, Munna Thaakur has captured stunning photographs of an extensive list of celebrities. From his first breakthrough shoot with Mukul Dev, featured in Zed magazine, to collaborations with the likes of Sonakshi Sinha, Shraddha Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Lara Dutta, and Priyanka Chopra, Munna’s portfolio showcases his undeniable talent and eye for capturing the essence of his subjects.
Learning Through Experience
Remarkably, Munna Thaakur achieved technical mastery in photography despite being a class 7 dropout with no formal education in the field. When asked about his journey, Munna humbly states, “Marta kya na karta” (it was a do-or-die situation for me). He emphasizes that his commitment to learning and continuous improvement played a pivotal role in his success. By observing others’ work and making mistakes along the way, Munna acquired invaluable knowledge about lighting and the art of photography.
A Journey Supported by Stars
Throughout his career, Munna Thaakur has enjoyed the support and collaboration of numerous celebrities. From Salman Khan and Suniel Shetty to Shilpa Shetty and Taapsee Pannu, Munna’s professional relationships have been instrumental in shaping his path. He acknowledges the assistance he received from those who believed in him during his early days and remains grateful for the opportunities that propelled his growth.
Staying True to His Roots
Despite his rise to fame, Munna Thaakur remains grounded and committed to his craft. He emphasizes the importance of staying connected with the people who supported him throughout his journey and values the sense of community and humility. Munna’s dedication to his roots and constant desire for improvement exemplify
His unwavering passion for photography.
Munna Thaakur’s extraordinary transformation from a cart puller to a celebrated photographer serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists. Through his talent, perseverance, and unwavering commitment, Munna has carved a niche for himself in the industry, capturing the essence of some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. His remarkable journey reminds us that passion and determination can overcome any obstacles and lead to incredible success.
-by Kashvi Gala