Rohan Shrestha on working with Kevin Hart: Our mutual interest in sports helped break the ice – Exclusive – Times of India

Having worked with the likes of Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Sara Ali Khan and many others, celebrity photographer Rohan Shrestha has established quite a name for himself in Bollywood. He recently became the first-ever Indian photographer to shoot Hollywood actor and comedian Kevin Hart. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Rohan spilled the tea on his first impression of the international sensation, their mutual love for sports and more. Excerpts…

You recently did a photoshoot with Kevin Hart. How was your experience?
Well, I was very nervous, to be honest. He is a big Hollywood star and I’m a huge fan. I have followed his career trajectory ever since I was a film student living in New York. We both are huge sports fans. I have always been fascinated by him as a person and to get the opportunity to work with him was spectacular.

What was your first impression of Kevin like? Were you intimidated?
No, I was not intimidated at all. I was nervous. But when he came on set, he was pretty friendly. We broke the ice by speaking about our love for NFL. I am a huge fan and he is from Philadelphia, so we spoke about his team. To create a comfortable atmosphere, we indulged in our mutual interest in sports. Once he walked in, I was in my element and wasn’t nervous anymore and just started focusing.

The comfort level between a photographer and his subject shows in the pictures. What did you guys talk about?
We spoke about our love for sports and NFL in particular. I have spent time in Philadelphia so I knew the city he comes from, what he is so passionate about, which really helped to break the ice and engage him in conversation. It’s extremely important for the subject to feel comfortable with the photographer. So, we always have to try to break the ice and have some level of conversation where they can trust us and that’s how I worked with Kevin too.

Did you find any difference in the process of photography when you shot there?
No, not at all actually. I think we are at par with them and I genuinely believe that.

From amongst all the Bollywood celebrities you have photographed so far, who do you think your camera loved the most?
I think my camera absolutely loves photographing Shah Rukh Khan. Not only because I am his biggest fan, but also because I have grown up watching his movies and I have had the opportunity to work with him a lot, and so has my dad! He is someone very special to work with.

Name one celebrity you just can’t wait to capture in your camera.
Lionel Messi. As I mentioned, I am a huge sports fan and love watching football so I would love to shoot and capture Messi.