My enduring passion for both photography and exploration has led me to India on nine separate occasions within the span of the last thirteen years.
It's challenging to articulate precisely why India holds such a profound place in my heart, why it resonates as a second home where I've experienced some of life's most unforgettable moments.
Above all else, it's the people who have left an indelible mark on me. They embody simplicity, generosity, honesty, and a gentle dignity that is unparalleled.
Their warm embrace and remarkable tolerance towards all religions and cultures are qualities that continue to inspire me.
During my extensive travels throughout India, one group that has consistently captivated my attention is the Sadhus, the holy men of Hinduism.
The term "Sadhu," meaning 'good men,' refers to devout individuals who have renounced worldly possessions and chosen a life of spiritual devotion.
Their distinctive orange attire symbolizes the purity of their commitment, having metaphorically shed their former selves to embrace a new existence.
With a tradition spanning over five millennia, there are currently between four to five million Sadhus traversing the Indian subcontinent. Many gravitate towards the sacred waters of the Ganges, a lifeline revered as both a physical and spiritual entity by millions of Indians.
My long-term project documenting the lives of Sadhus aimed to capture the essence of these extraordinary individuals.
While my primary objective was to comprehend the wisdom and experience that enables them to lead such seemingly isolated lives, I recognized that true understanding could only come from immersing myself in their world.
Living in close proximity to the Sadhus was not just a means to an end; it was an essential step in capturing the intimate portraits I sought.
Each weathered face held a story waiting to be told, and it was through this immersive experience that I could truly convey their narratives.
This is the behind-the-scene film of the project:
