On the occasion of World Photography Day, versatile actor and filmmaker Randeep Hooda shared insights into his long-standing passion for photography, admitting that he feels much more at ease behind a still camera than in front of one. For Hooda, who recently made his directorial debut with Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, photography began as a humble hobby that naturally evolved into an excuse to escape into the wilderness. What initially started as an interest sparked by mobile phones transformed into a serious pursuit after he connected with wildlife photographer Sarosh Lodhi and took a trip to Kanha National Park. Experiencing the wild through a camera lens completely hooked him, leading him to document nature, landscapes, and wildlife in their natural habitats rather than seeking close-up portrait shots.
His experience behind the still camera proved immensely valuable when he stepped into the director’s chair. Hooda explained that his years of experimenting with compositions, light, and framing helped shape his visual sense as a director. Understanding how to guide a viewer’s attention within a frame and construct aesthetically pleasing shots made his directorial choices much smoother, allowing him to collaborate seamlessly with cinematographer Arvind Krishna. While noting that modern smartphone technology has made photography accessible to everyone, Hooda observed that the abundance of digital images has somewhat reduced the reverence for a single, perfectly framed photograph.
In recent months, Hooda’s lens has shifted toward a more personal subject closer to home—his baby daughter Nyomica, born earlier this year. Along with his wife Lin Laishram, Hooda frequently captures daily moments of his daughter and parents, viewing photography as a meaningful way to document family memories for the future. For the actor-director, a great photograph is never just about technical perfection or pursuing popular subjects like big cats; it is ultimately about creating a frame that tells an authentic story and captures a quiet slice of life.