A key figure behind the digital rise of the Telangana movement, designing posters across social media, documenting the struggle for a new state in the forms photographs and videos, Anki Reddy did a lot to promote the cultural heritage of the youngest state in the country when he was alive. His dream to host a photography exhibition was shortlived when he succumbed to injuries in an accident in South Africa for a business trip recently. In a bid to fulfil his last desire, Department of Language and Culture, Telangana and his friends have come up with a photography exhibition in memory of Anki Reddy that comprises 44 images that he captured across multiple districts in Telangana.
Anki Reddy’s photographs are an apt showcase of the natural and man-made beauty of the State. Though there are quintessential images of the Qutb Shahi Tombs, Charminar, Buddha Statue, what his snaps also capture are the myriad moods of nature, from glorious sunshine to a ramzan night besides the various phases of the spring and the monsoon seasons. The exhibits also help us discover the photographer’s fondness for aerial views, that tap a unique dimension of the city’s landscape. Not all photographs here are related to Telangana heritage, some of his works (where he captures diyas, silheouttes of objects during the nights) also have a universal appeal.
His filmmaker friend Narendher Goud shares, “While his photographs surrounding the Telangana movement did help our cause, he was a nature lover, who looked to capture many a flora and fauna through his lens.
He liked them more than humans. He was an avid traveller, carried a camera along with him everytime. Though he’s not with us anymore, we hope his works inspire young photographers to chase their ambitions.” (The photography exhibition is on at ICCR, Ravindra Bharathi till August 10)