CONSERVATION THROUGH THE LENS

Inked, fearless and passionate about community members along with a penchant for impactful storytelling, Shatabdi Chakrabarti is a stellar example of an unconventional thinker addressing issues in both the rural and urban spaces, amongst the concrete and the wilderness. She is out to make a difference and is rapidly emerging as someone to 'watch’ out for in the ever-powerful medium of filmmaking.

- Bhavna Menon

Shatabdi the first time met you, the first thing I noticed was the ink on your skin. Can you tell our readers a bit about your fascination for tattoos? and while every tattoo is there for a reason, and has a story to tell, can you enlighten us about your story?

For me tattoos were never a western 'idea’ or 'western concept’. Once I got into college and my horizons started widening, I started to slowly understand the presence of this ancient art form in the indigenous communities of India. I was also an avid listener of English rock bands from the 70s and 80s and having tattoos was a part of the rock and roll lifestyle in a way. I did my first tattoo of a musical note as an homage to my connection with music. I slowly understood the power of permanency and the way tattooing can be a transformative experience. As I kept indulging in this practice, I started to see the presence of ink all around me in the indigenous communities whenever I traveled. In our tribal communities, tattooing is an integral part of the culture and tradition. It becomes a part of your physical and visual identity. And I think somewhere down the line it transformed into the same for me.

Wildlife filmmaking is still an unconventional career choice in India and you have switched careers completely from being ina comfortable job in the media to the rugged terrains of our country, what made you change your mind, or rather your career?