Rekha on Working with Photographer Tarun Khiwal for the Vogue Arabia Cover Shoot

As the world continues to show its love for Rekha’s cover shoot for Vogue Arabia’s July/August 2023 issue, the Indian icon pens a few words of appreciation on the special project, and working with photographer Tarun Khiwal.

Photo: Tarun Khiwal

This was predestined. When Manuel, editor-in-chief of Vogue Arabia asked which photographer I would prefer, without flinching for a second, I said Tarun Khiwal. I have followed his work for over a decade and have seen his spectacular photography campaigns.

Photo: Tarun Khiwal

He is very original with a flair for world photography, creating his own niche with his interpretations of core Indian nuances that are steeped in heritage, His work reminds me of the aesthetic imagery of the Khajuraho Temples and Ajanta and Ellora paintings—all bathed in natural light, luxurious and glistening with sensuality. Even with the inherent drama and makeup, Tarun magically gives the images a sense of refined minimalism.

Photo: Tarun Khiwal

Funnily, I had never met him till the production of this shoot. However, he had seen me as a 16-year-old boy on the film set of Umrao Jaan in Lucknow, where he is originally from. I was busy polishing and wiping out the scribbles of love notes written on the pillars of the monument where we were shooting. This is where we filmed the iconic song “In aankho ki masti me”.

Photo: Tarun Khiwal

Between Tarun and I, there was mutual admiration from the start. We both believe that wherever we work, that space is our temple, and our work is pure worship. Like me, he is also spiritual, but he is more realistic. His originality and his love of his own culture and tradition make him a photographer like no other.

Photo: Tarun Khiwal

Today, I want to tell the world and scream from the rooftops: “Tarun, you are a blessing in my life!” I know it takes a village to pull off such an incredible shoot and I am thankful to his team—Abhishek and Hussam especially, who worked tirelessly to fulfill Tarun’s dream. This to me is the purity of the relationship between ‘guru and shishya’, the teacher and student, when hearts align for a common goal.

Photo: Tarun Khiwal

I am eternally grateful to the universe for this dream shoot, and it is equally precious to me as any award that I have received. I am amazed at what one photoshoot can do, but I also realize that the success of it has to come from a deep place of honesty, pure intentions, originality, and consistency, every step of the way.