Take us back to the beginning — how did wildlife photography first pull you in, and what made you decide to chase it seriously?
My relationship with wildlife did not begin with a camera. It began when I was ten years old. In 1981, my late uncle, Mr. Zahoor Hasan, took me to Kanha National Park. It was my first visit to a truly wild forest, my first safari, and, most importantly, my first encounter with a wild tiger. At that age, I could not have imagined that a single journey would leave such a lasting impression on me. I remember the excitement of entering the forest, the anticipation of what we might encounter, and then the unforgettable moment of seeing a tiger in its natural home. That experience was different from seeing animals behind the barriers of a zoo. The freedom of the forest, the silence, the anticipation and the sheer presence of a wild tiger created something inside me that never really went away. My father, Advocate Ahmed Nazeer, had already nurtured my fascination with animals by taking me to Maharaj Bagh Zoo during my childhood. But Kanha was different. Kanha opened the door to the wild. What began as a childhood journey with my uncle slowly became a lifelong connection with India's forests, wildlife and, eventually, wildlife photography. Today, whenever I return to the jungle, a part of me is still that ten-year-old boy entering Kanha for the first time — looking into the wilderness with wonder, curiosity and an unforgettable feeling that this is where I belong. Kanha was not simply my first tiger safari. It was the beginning of my journey with the wild.
Do you remember the first wild encounter that truly hooked you? Tell us about that moment and where you were.
Kanha National Park gave me my first glimpse of the wild. The wild never really let me go.
You founded Tiger Wala. What is it, and what made you want to build something of your own around this passion?
My connection with wildlife began long before I ever thought of making it a profession. As a child, I was fascinated by animals. I grew up watching them in zoos and, during my teenage years, sharing my home with pets. But the experience that truly changed the direction of my life came when I was just ten years old, when my late uncle, Mr. Zahoor Hasan, took me to Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. That first journey into Kanha stayed with me. I was captivated by the forest, its silence, its unpredictability and, above all, the possibility of encountering wildlife in its natural environment. I returned to Kanha repeatedly and, over the years, became deeply immersed in the landscape around the park. My association with Kanha gradually evolved beyond simply visiting the forest. I began helping international visitors experience the jungle, often becoming the link between the local guides, drivers and international tourists. As an interpreter, I helped bridge not only a language gap but also a cultural one, helping visitors understand the forest and making their experiences more comfortable and meaningful. At just 17 years of age, I took what was perhaps an ambitious step for someone so young and purchased a piece of land near Kisli Gate, Mocha, Kanha. At that age, however, I had neither the experience nor sufficient personal resources to make the venture work. The project eventually did not materialise, and life took me in other directions. There were years of struggle, learning and starting over. I eventually sold that land in 2011 and later purchased another piece of farmland near the Bor Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. After the COVID period, I began returning to the safari world with renewed determination. From 2022 onwards, I became increasingly involved in organising safaris, and in 2023 I entered into a partnership in a resort. That venture too did not work out, but it became another chapter of learning rather than the end of the journey. I continued independently, arranging wildlife experiences for both Indian and international guests — from safari bookings and resort arrangements to transportation, airport transfers, pick-up and drop-off, and the countless practical details that can determine whether a wildlife holiday becomes stressful or memorable. Over time, I realised that this was no longer simply something I was doing informally. I wanted to build something legitimate, transparent and sustainable, with a clear identity and a foundation for the future. That vision led to the creation of Tiger Wala — my own legally registered wildlife travel venture, established with the necessary government registrations and documentation so that I could build its operations professionally and work with both national and international travellers. Today, my work is rooted in the same passion that began when I was ten years old in Kanha. The difference is that I am no longer simply the boy sitting in a safari vehicle waiting to see what the forest reveals. I now have the privilege of creating those experiences for others. My journey has included successes, failures, financial challenges, partnerships that did not work, and many moments when starting again was the only option. But every chapter taught me something. From Kanha at the age of ten, to building Tiger Wala today, the destination has changed, the role has changed, and the experience has changed — but my connection with the wild has never changed. The jungle was my first teacher. Tiger Wala is the next chapter of that journey.
Which photograph are you proudest of?
When a Bold Leopard Decided to Give Me His Time. Leopards are among the most elusive and secretive big cats, and getting a close, unobstructed view of one is always a privilege. This particular leopard had just finished feeding on a Nilgai kill, leaving him completely satiated. After his meal, he emerged onto the rocks, settling down to clean himself and eventually relax and digest his food. I had been patiently waiting, hoping for a clear view. What followed was a moment I will never forget. For once, the leopard seemed completely at ease with my presence. From a remarkably close distance, he remained in position, calmly going about his routine — cleaning, resting and simply being himself — while I had the privilege of photographing him from different angles. It almost felt as though, after being so elusive, he had decided to give me the photographs I had been patiently waiting for — entirely on his terms. No chase. No disturbance. Just patience, trust and a beautiful wild moment unfolding naturally before my lens. Sometimes, in wildlife photography, patience doesn't just reward you with a sighting — it rewards you with a story.
Tell us about a tiger you've come to know over repeated sightings.
Kalwa — The Son Who Built His Own Kingdom. Kalwa — son of the legendary Chota Matka (CM) of Tadoba — is a tiger I have been following since his childhood. I watched him grow, learned his mannerisms and followed his journey as he slowly came into his own. Then, one day, Kalwa disappeared. He had reached the age when a young male must leave his father's territory and carve out a territory of his own. Kalwa moved into the neighbouring Shedegaon forest, where he eventually established his own kingdom. Today, the once-shy young male has become an imposing ruler of his territory. He has three tigresses, and nature has recently added another remarkable chapter to his story — all three tigresses are now raising litters sired by Kalwa. Tracking Kalwa has never been easy. He has always been a secretive and elusive male, often keeping his distance and making his presence known only through signs and occasional sightings. But somewhere along the way, something changed. Perhaps it is the confidence that comes with maturity. Perhaps it is the security of having established his own territory. Whatever the reason, the shy male I once knew has transformed into a bold and fearless king. Today, Kalwa no longer seems particularly concerned about the tourist gypsies moving through his kingdom. He walks his territory with an unmistakable confidence, carrying the presence of a tiger that knows exactly where he belongs. And for someone who has watched him since he was a young cub, seeing Kalwa standing openly in the wild, completely unbothered by our presence, is far more than just a photographic opportunity. It is a privilege to witness the journey of a tiger — from childhood, to dispersal, to establishing a territory, and ultimately to becoming a father and ruler of his own kingdom. To find Kalwa in the open, looking every bit the king he has become, and to bring that moment back through my lens, is nothing short of a blessing.
What's in your bag on a safari day, and is there one piece of gear you simply won't leave behind?
On a safari day, I carry a cap, a hat, a face mask for dry dust, sunglasses, my camera, my lens, spare batteries, foldable tripods, bean bags, an emergency first aid kit, and mosquito repellent. The one piece of gear I simply won't leave behind is my emergency first aid kit, because emergency strikes anywhere in a jungle safari.
Share a shot that tested your patience — one you earned through bad weather, long waits, or a stubborn subject.
Patience Beyond the Photograph. Wildlife photography is often less about the photograph itself and more about the patience required to create it. This image of a sub-adult tigress was made just after the rains had stopped, when the forest roads were at their most challenging. The conditions were difficult, the tracks were muddy and rough, and every movement through the forest demanded time and patience. But wildlife has its own way of rewarding persistence. After waiting and watching, I was fortunate to witness this beautiful tigress in a distinctive moment, her markings and posture creating a frame that lasted only briefly. There was no way of knowing when she would appear or how long she would remain in the open. For me, this photograph represents more than a rare frame. It represents the countless hours, difficult roads and unwavering patience that wildlife photography demands — because sometimes, after everything you go through to reach that moment, the forest gives you something truly special.
Share a frame that carries a conservation message you care about.
For me, conservation is ultimately about protecting the future. A photograph of a tigress with her cubs represents far more than a beautiful wildlife moment — it represents the next generation of wild tigers. Protecting forests, prey, breeding females and their young is essential if we want these magnificent animals to continue thriving in the wild.
Share a behind-the-scenes photo or clip from a night safari.
What does the forest reveal after dark that daylight never shows, and what's it like being out there at night?
After dark, the forest reveals a completely different world. Sounds become sharper, movements more mysterious, and every rustle in the darkness carries a story. Being out there at night is a unique experience—part patience, part anticipation, and part surrender to the unknown. You may see less than you do in daylight, but you often feel much more. In the darkness, the forest seems to come alive in ways that daylight simply cannot reveal.
Share a photo that hints at what you're working towards next.
What's the project, species, or place you're most excited to pursue from here?
I’m most excited about continuing to explore India’s wild landscapes and the lives of its great cats, particularly tigers. Beyond photographing individual animals, I want to build deeper stories around their behaviour, personalities, territories and the people working to protect these forests. My aim is to create a body of work that allows people to experience the wild not just through a photograph, but through the story behind it.
After a long day in the field, what's the feeling that tells you it was all worth it?
It is the feeling of knowing that, despite the long hours, difficult conditions and uncertainty, I was able to witness something truly wild and preserve a moment that may never happen again. Sometimes it is not even about getting the perfect photograph—it is simply being there, patiently waiting, and being trusted by the forest with a glimpse into its world. That feeling of connection makes every long day in the field worth it.
Contact and Follow
Email: sarkaart@yahoo.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarfarazphotography
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