Malavika Mohanan Explores Wildlife Photography as a Meditative Journey in My Country My Lens

Malavika Mohanan’s Passion for Wildlife Photography

Introduction to Malavika Mohanan

Malavika Mohanan is not just a talented actress known for her upcoming Telugu film "The Raja Saab" alongside well-known actor Prabhas; she is also an avid wildlife photographer. Speaking about her love for wildlife photography, Malavika says, “I’ve grown up enamoured with the jungle and the life within it.”

Growing Up with Nature

Raised in bustling Mumbai, Malavika often felt disconnected from nature due to the busy city life. However, her fascination with the wilderness grew over the years. As she puts it, "I’ve always been a ‘Bombay girl’, surrounded by a concrete jungle." Her real connection with wildlife photography emerged in her twenties when a friend invited her on a deep jungle safari. This was a unique experience that took her far from the usual tourist paths. "We explored parts of the forest that most tourists never see," she recalled. This adventure ignited her passion for wildlife photography. "I was hooked and thought to myself, ‘I want to do this more often’. It came organically to me and I love the fact that it’s so different from my work, making it kind of meditative," she explained.

Capturing Wildlife Moments

A Memorable Experience in Wayanad

Malavika’s passion for photography was evident during a memorable trip to Wayanad, Kerala. While filming a movie there, she took a day off to explore the beautiful forests. "On our way back, we spotted a tusker by the side of the road," she excitedly recalls. She had her camera ready and began snapping photos when the tusker charged at them. "I managed to capture some incredible shots before we had to speed off," she said, highlighting that it was not just about taking photos but capturing raw, genuine moments in nature.

Encountering a Leopard in Serengeti

Another incredible experience for Malavika occurred in the Serengeti, Africa. During her stay, she participated in a game drive that was supposed to end at 6 PM. However, they stayed a bit longer and witnessed a leopard that had just caught a deer. "We were deep in the wild jungle, just me and a few of my friends. Suddenly, we spotted the leopard climbing a tree with its prey," she described. She pointed her camera toward the leopard when it locked eyes with her. "I managed to capture that moment on camera. It was a beautiful and raw experience," she expressed. For Malavika, that photograph represents one of the most meaningful moments in her photography journey.

Balancing Acting and Photography

The Challenges of a Busy Schedule

Malavika admits that balancing her acting career with her passion for wildlife photography is challenging. The long hours on set and constant travel can be exhausting. "When I’m acting, I can sometimes work for weeks or even months, jumping from one set to another," she explains. The demands of her acting career often leave little room for personal downtime. “Even when we’re back in our rooms, there’s always someone around,” she adds, reflecting on the relentless nature of her job.

Finding Peace in Nature

Despite her busy schedule, Malavika seeks refuge in nature during her off days. “When I get 4 or 5 days off, I love escaping to a forest. My last safari was to Tadoba National Park in Maharashtra, a perfect spot to see tigers,” she shared. With a strong passion for wildlife, she feels rejuvenated when surrounded by nature. "I haven’t been anywhere in a year, and I’m really missing it," she expressed, yearning for her next adventure in the wild.

Engaging with Other Photographers

Malavika is enthusiastic about the "My Country My Lens" photo contest organized by Hindustan Times. She sees it as a fantastic initiative to celebrate and highlight the beauty of nature through photography. "I’d love to see the world through the eyes of other budding photographers," she stated. Her excitement lies in discovering how others capture moments and share their unique perspectives on wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Malavika Mohanan’s journey in wildlife photography reflects her deep connection with nature, contrasting with her life as a busy actress. Through her stunning photographs and heartfelt stories, she encourages others to appreciate the beauty of the wild and express their unique experiences in their own creative ways. Her adventures and experiences inspire many to explore their own passions outside of work and reconnect with the natural world. Whether she’s on set or in the wilderness, Malavika continues to find beauty in both realms.