Capturing History: The Legendary Journey of Ramesh Shukla

 At 85, Ramesh Shukla’s life story reads like an epic saga of perseverance, passion, and artistry. His journey began at the tender age of 26, when he left the bustling city of Bombay (now Mumbai) with a dollar in his pocket and a few rolls of film in his bag. His destination? The Trucial States, a collection of small sheikhdoms that would later become the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

From Humble Beginnings to Iconic Moments

Shukla’s arrival in Dubai was far from glamorous. Hitching rides on a donkey cart and a motorbike, he reached a dusty fishing village surrounded by endless desert. The harsh conditions did not deter him; instead, they fueled his determination. Without access to water or electricity, Shukla immersed himself in the lives of the locals, capturing the essence of fisherfolk, pearl divers, and camel drivers through his lens.

Change was on the horizon as oil discoveries began to reshape the region. Shukla’s big break came in 1968 when he photographed sheikhs at a camel race in Sharjah. Among them was Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the “founding father” of the UAE. Impressed by Shukla’s artistry, Sheikh Zayed’s praise marked a turning point in Shukla’s career.

A Life Interwoven with Royalty

Shukla’s newfound recognition opened doors to official events and fostered friendships with the royals. By 1970, his wife and son had joined him in Dubai. Their one-room home served as a living space, kitchen, and darkroom, where his wife meticulously assisted in developing photos, taking detailed notes on lighting, exposure, and shutter speed.

On December 2, 1971, Shukla captured a momentous event: the signing of the declaration that formed the United Arab Emirates. His photograph of Sheikh Zayed signing the document became iconic, even gracing the 50-dirham note in honor of the nation’s 50th anniversary.

Preserving the Past for the Future

Throughout the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, Shukla continued to document the rapidly evolving landscape of Dubai and the Emirates. His work, comprising hundreds of undeveloped rolls of film, remained a treasure trove of history. With the help of his son, Neel, Shukla is now sharing these invaluable images through exhibitions.

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Shukla and Neel have also established a darkroom lab, offering a year-long masterclass in analog photography through Dubai Culture. This initiative aims to pass on the timeless skills of film photography to the next generation of Emirati photographers, preserving an art form in the digital age.

A Legacy Etched in Time

Ramesh Shukla’s photography, compiled into books and showcased in exhibitions, stands as a testament to his role as a vital witness to the UAE’s formation. His journey from a young man with a dream to a legendary photographer is a powerful narrative of dedication and vision, capturing the heart and soul of a nation in transformation.