September 2024 | Croma
And the world did change sides. We have shifted completely from analogue to digital, not only in photography, but also all aspects of life,” says Ravi Kapoor, veteran photographer and collector of cameras from Lucknow, India, as he talks fondly about his passion for analogue cameras, the process of developing and printing a photograph, and the memories of a bygone era where time seemed to move slow enough so that one could observe, reflect and savour every moment.
Like Mr Kapoor, Mohammad Mooinuddin Saheb who runs Mahaboob Studio in Hyderabad, Shaik Mohammed, a horologist in Bengaluru, and Tarakeswar Rao, a collector of vinyl records in Kolkata, straddle a graceful analogue past that is slowly and surely giving way to a fast-paced and vivid digital future. In this world, the crackling sound of a vinyl record, the ticking of a classic wristwatch, the click of an analogue camera and the static of a vintage radio capture the essence of a bygone era, evoking nostalgia while highlighting the spirit of resilience and continuity.
In a web series produced to commemorate India’s 78th Independence Day, Unboxed by Croma takes viewers on a nostalgic journey through India’s technological evolution. This series – called ‘Past Tech Present’ – showcases four individuals from different parts of India, each preserving a piece of history through their commitment to vintage electronics.
Watch the videos below.
Hyderabad’s Mahboob Radio: South India’s only radio sales and service centre
Unboxed travelled to Hyderabad, where Mahboob Radio, a historic radio service centre founded in 1928, continues to operate even as digital technology dominates the airwaves. Run by Mohammad Mooinuddin Saheb, the store was once a hub of activity with people gathering to listen to the latest news, music, and programs. Despite the passage of time, Mahboob Radio remains a cherished part of the community.
Bengaluru’s Shaik Mehmood: A master watchmaker defying digital time
For the second video, Unboxed travelled to Bengaluru to meet Shaik Mehmood, a vintage watch restorer. His shop in Indiranagar is a haven for watch enthusiasts, filled with timepieces that hold sentimental value for their owners. In a world of digital convenience, Mehmood’s unwavering dedication to the art of watch restoration attests the importance of preserving traditional crafts.
Kolkata’s Tarakeswar Rao: Helping rediscover the beauty of analogue music
Unboxed’s next stop was Kolkata to pay ode to the city’s love affair with music by featuring Tarakeswar Rao’s vinyl record store. Operating since the late 1970s, Rao’s shop has been a gathering place for those who appreciate the warmth and depth of analogue sound. Despite the rise of digital music, the store remains a sanctuary for those who seek out vinyl records and cherish the nostalgia they evoke.
Capturing time: The story of Lucknow lensman, Ravi Kapoor
Unboxed’s final stop on this journey was Lucknow, where Ravi Kapoor’s photography studio is a treasure trove of memories captured on film. His collection of over a thousand cameras bear witness to the evolution of the technology of photography. Kapoor’s love for photography has grown over the decades, documenting Lucknow’s cultural vibrancy and the everyday lives of its people.
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