With a remarkable career spanning over four and a half decades, Rajashekar H. K. is a celebrated photojournalist who served as the Principal Photographer of the India Today Group, based in Chennai. His lens has documented the soul of India through iconic images and powerful visual narratives that have shaped public memory.
Early Journey & Career
Born and brought up in Bangalore, Rajashekar began his career as a freelancer, spending more than a decade capturing stories that mattered.
Born and brought up in Bangalore, Rajashekar began his career as a freelancer, spending more than a decade capturing stories that mattered.
He later joined the Deccan Herald Group in New Delhi, covering crucial developments across North and Northeast India. He has been with the India Today Group for 23 years, based at their Southern Headquarters, covering the South for all the Group’s publications. Now he is back as a freelancer.
Iconic Assignments & Exclusive Work
Rajashekar’s body of work includes several exclusive and historic images. His photographs from the Venus Circus fire accident, illicit liquor tragedy, and the Gokak agitation received widespread acclaim. His image of the Bettale Seve (Nude Worship) ritual served as key evidence in the Judicial Enquiry Commission's judgment on the police firing that led to the death of several devotees.
Rajashekar’s body of work includes several exclusive and historic images. His photographs from the Venus Circus fire accident, illicit liquor tragedy, and the Gokak agitation received widespread acclaim. His image of the Bettale Seve (Nude Worship) ritual served as key evidence in the Judicial Enquiry Commission's judgment on the police firing that led to the death of several devotees.
He has produced acclaimed photo features such as “A Day in the Life of Dr. M. Karunanidhi and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin,” providing rare glimpses into the personal lives of Tamil Nadu’s political stalwarts.
Rajashekar has photographed every Prime Minister from Indira Gandhi to Narendra Modi, and many Chief Ministers from N. T. Rama Rao to M. K. Stalin, offering a photographic timeline of India’s political evolution.
Cultural Documentation & Publications
He has been a major contributor to several prestigious coffee table books, including:
* Discovery of Karnataka for the Government of Karnataka
* Rediscovery of Karnataka for Gangarams Book Bureau
* Full photographic contribution to Reality Wizards of Tamil Nadu for the India Today Group
He has been a major contributor to several prestigious coffee table books, including:
* Discovery of Karnataka for the Government of Karnataka
* Rediscovery of Karnataka for Gangarams Book Bureau
* Full photographic contribution to Reality Wizards of Tamil Nadu for the India Today Group
He has covered significant cultural events like the Russian Cultural Festival and the SAARC Cultural Festival for the Government of Karnataka.
As a solo exhibitor, he held a One-Man Photo Exhibition on Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi, to mark their 500th birth anniversaries, supported by the Kannada and Culture Department, Government of Karnataka.
Adventure Photography & Training
Rajashekar is not only a documentarian but also an adventurer. He served as Chief Instructor and Photographer for:
* A trekking expedition to Amarnath Glacier
* A trekking and sailing expedition to Lakshadweep, both sponsored by the Government of India and Government of Karnataka
Rajashekar is not only a documentarian but also an adventurer. He served as Chief Instructor and Photographer for:
* A trekking expedition to Amarnath Glacier
* A trekking and sailing expedition to Lakshadweep, both sponsored by the Government of India and Government of Karnataka
He has contributed photographs to brochures and calendars for the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of External Affairs, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), and the Karnataka Tourism Department.
He has also served as a Guest Instructor at the National Police Academy, Hyderabad, and the Police Training College, Mysore, training IPS officers and police sub-inspectors in field photography and visual documentation.
Awards & Global Recognition
Rajashekar has exhibited nearly 3,000 photographs in over 50 countries and has won around 300 awards at national and international photography exhibitions. He holds 28 distinctions from seven countries, making him one of the most decorated Indian photojournalists of his generation.
Rajashekar has exhibited nearly 3,000 photographs in over 50 countries and has won around 300 awards at national and international photography exhibitions. He holds 28 distinctions from seven countries, making him one of the most decorated Indian photojournalists of his generation.
Personal Passion
A passionate traveller and lover of adventure, Rajashekar continues to explore new stories and perspectives through his camera, with an undying commitment to truth, culture, and the power of photography.
A passionate traveller and lover of adventure, Rajashekar continues to explore new stories and perspectives through his camera, with an undying commitment to truth, culture, and the power of photography.