Portraits from the past: A peek into the work of lensman JH Thakker

Lensman JH Thakker, a master of light and shadow, immortalised some of the leading film stars of his time at his still photo studio in Mumbai

Jan 03, 2017, 08:26 IST1 min

<strong>Suraiya</strong><br />In this still, actor-singer Suraiya has been highlighted using &lsquorim lighting&rsquo (also called hair lights), a technique used to outline the subject

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SuraiyaIn this still, actor-singer Suraiya has been highlighted using &lsquorim lighting&rsquo (also called hair lights), a technique used to outline the subject

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Raj Kapoor and NargisA publicity still for Chori Chori (1956), one of the last films the popular pair appeared in together, that uses Thakker&rsquos signature low-key lighting

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NutanA publicity still for Dilli Ka Thug (1958). The lighting is such that it allows her image to be cropped along the silhouette for use in various publicity materials

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Dilip KumarFor a publicity still for Footpath (1953). Interestingly, Footpath was the last film in which the thespian was seen smoking on screen

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MadhubalaMadhubala was a frequent visitor to India Photo Studio. The foliage in the background was sourced from Chitra Cinema&rsquos garden, next to the studio

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Raaj KumarA shot reminiscent of American film noir of the 1950s, where characters were often seen with a cigarette hanging from their lips

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