Dabboo Ratnani
Quick Facts
Biography
Dabboo Ratnani is an Indian fashion photographer, known for his annual calendar which started in 1999. He is the cover photographer for all leading magazines like Cosmopolitan, Filmfare, Hi Blitz, Ok India, Elle (India), Verve, Femina, The Man, and Better Homes and Gardens. In 2006, he was in the jury for the Miss India contest.
Work
Ratnani is a portrait and celebrity photographer in the Indian cinema. Films got Ratnani editorial work, which in turn got him model portfolios, which led him to advertising. His work has been used for film advertising and publicity campaigns. Moreover, Ratnani recently judged the India's Top Model show alongside Malaika Arora, Milind Soman and Anusha Dandekar aired on MTV India.
Calendars
Ratnani's best known work is his annual calendar. He has helped create a trend of collectible celebrity calendars in India, after the fashion of the Pirelli Calendar. He is one of a number of photographers with trademark calendars widely covered in the media. Over the years top Bollywood stars have appeared on his calendar. Every year the launch of the calendar becomes a major event featuring top celebrities, 24 of them for each year. 18 of the 24 celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, Bipasha Basu and Arjun Rampal are a constant feature on his calendar. For the 2012 edition, the photographer shot a video with some behind-the-scenes moments for each celebrity, which were made available on YouTube. The annual calendar 2018 launch event was held in JW Marriot Hotel, Mumbai on 17 January 2018 where most of the biggest Bollywood stars get together. Manushi Chhillar made her debut appearance in Dabboo Ratnani annual calendar 2018.