Trailblazing wildlife photographer Vasudha Chakravarthy passes away

Mangaluru: Renowned wildlife photographer Vasudha Chakravarthy (45) was found dead in the Souparnika River in Kollur on Saturday.

Vasudha, a native of Bengaluru, had travelled to Kollur by car on 27 August and later went missing. Police investigation indicated that she had fallen into the river, and her body was recovered during a search.

Vasudha was widely recognised for her work in wildlife photography and for her unconventional life intertwined with the forest. In 2012, 'Mathrubhumi Yathra' magazine published an article titled “Kaattile Penkutty" highlighting her life and accomplishments in the field.

She chose a life of solitude and wildlife photography, leaving a corporate banking career and the comforts of Bengaluru to move to the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. Vasudha lived for many years in an estate amid acres of forest in Kalhatti, just off the Mysore–Ooty road. A kickboxing enthusiast, she had earned a black belt in karate.

A documentary on clouded leopards that she watched in Kolkata profoundly influenced her. The portrayal of the endangered species’ struggle for survival and its disappearing habitat captivated her. Architect Krishna Narayan, known for his work at Bannerghatta Gardens, also inspired her. After studying light and photography in Ooty, she decided the forest was her calling. Initially, her family opposed her decision to live alone in the wilderness, but she remained resolute.

Vasudha, often carrying a camera on her jeep and motorcycle, was well regarded by the tribal communities in Ooty, Masinagudi, Mudumalai, and Bandipur. Alongside her photography, she engaged in activities supporting these communities and memorised every piece of knowledge shared by them.

She lived in a Kalhatti estate owned by a member of the Kochi royal family. When funds were limited, she supplemented her income by driving a taxi in Ooty and taking on modelling photography assignments. She also collaborated with prominent figures, including filmmaker VK Prakash.

Her camera captured a wide array of forest wildlife, from elephants, leopards, and tigers to poisonous snakes and bears. Vasudha often conducted close encounters with animals without a telephoto lens. When approaching elephant herds, she would rub dried elephant dung on her body. In a 2012 interview with 'Mathrubhumi Yathra', she said applying a special type of leaf juice would prevent wild animals from attacking her.