Behind the Scenes

A close encounter with Chota Matka, the largest male at Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve. We spotted him just outside the buffer zone, barely 100 metres from a village, which is a clear picture of the ongoing human–tiger conflict in the region. Tiger nu

A close encounter with Chota Matka, the largest male at Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve. We spotted him just outside the buffer zone, barely 100 metres from a village, which is a clear picture of the ongoing human–tiger conflict in the region. Tiger numbers are rising with conservation efforts, but forest cover has not grown. With less space, tigers now roam closer to villages where cattle are easy prey and attacks on humans are not uncommon.

Mr. Keylock, Head of Conservation at Harrow School, joined me in Tadoba to collaborate on part of the shoot and discuss conservation efforts in the region.

Mr. Keylock, Head of Conservation at Harrow School, joined me in Tadoba to collaborate on part of the shoot and discuss conservation efforts in the region.

Mr. Keylock and I meeting Mahua collectors gathering blossoms. Collectors move quietly beneath the trees, gathering blossoms for food and drink. Tigers move here too .

Mr. Keylock and I meeting Mahua collectors gathering blossoms. Collectors move quietly beneath the trees, gathering blossoms for food and drink. Tigers move here too .

More often than not, we walked unarmed through the jungle, just a few hundred metres away from wild tigers.

More often than not, we walked unarmed through the jungle, just a few hundred metres away from wild tigers.

By a lake in Tadoba, working under the relentless midday sun.

By a lake in Tadoba, working under the relentless midday sun.

Temperatures often hit 45°C while we were filming, and we struggled with equipment overheating (along with ourselves!).

Temperatures often hit 45°C while we were filming, and we struggled with equipment overheating (along with ourselves!).

We left at dawn each day to capture the golden hours of filming and to escape the scorching midday sun. Morning is also peak movement time for animals, making it risky to be near the forest.

We left at dawn each day to capture the golden hours of filming and to escape the scorching midday sun. Morning is also peak movement time for animals, making it risky to be near the forest.

Bandu Dhotre, environmental visionary and activist, founder of EcoPro

Bandu Dhotre, environmental visionary and activist, founder of EcoPro

Cleaning the Chandrapur Fort, as part of an initiative by EcoPro.

Cleaning the Chandrapur Fort, as part of an initiative by EcoPro.

Volunteering with the EcoPro team at Tadoba, working alongside local conservationists.

Volunteering with the EcoPro team at Tadoba, working alongside local conservationists.

Government Biologist Rakesh Ahuja helped me gather valuable information about tiger movements in Tadoba.

Government Biologist Rakesh Ahuja helped me gather valuable information about tiger movements in Tadoba.

A camera trap used to identify tigers.

A camera trap used to identify tigers.

Operating the drone lent by Parag, the local environmentalist who helped me capture aerial shots for my film.

Operating the drone lent by Parag, the local environmentalist who helped me capture aerial shots for my film.

Drone we used to film footage.

Drone we used to film footage.

A happy moment with the cameraman during the shoot.

A happy moment with the cameraman during the shoot.

Documenting the essence of rural communities and their connection to the land.

Documenting the essence of rural communities and their connection to the land.

Interviewing villagers in Sitaram Peth, a beautiful little village in the buffer zone.

Interviewing villagers in Sitaram Peth, a beautiful little village in the buffer zone.

Travelling beside the forest on a two-wheeler requires caution, as tiger encounters in this region are not uncommon.

Travelling beside the forest on a two-wheeler requires caution, as tiger encounters in this region are not uncommon.

Alongside Mr. Keylock and his family, we spent time with forest guards and villagers living in Tadoba’s transition zones.

Alongside Mr. Keylock and his family, we spent time with forest guards and villagers living in Tadoba’s transition zones.

Honoured to showcase "Roar and Resilience" at Harrow School in November 2024

Honoured to showcase "Roar and Resilience" at Harrow School in November 2024

Premiere of "Roar and Resilience" – The event at Harrow School in November 2024 became the largest student-led gathering in the school’s history. We filled every seat and still had guests standing outside to watch.

Premiere of "Roar and Resilience" – The event at Harrow School in November 2024 became the largest student-led gathering in the school’s history. We filled every seat and still had guests standing outside to watch.

Premiere of "Roar and Resilience" – seats ran out and many watched standing outside.

Premiere of "Roar and Resilience" – seats ran out and many watched standing outside.

Premiere of "Roar and Resilience" (November 2024)

Premiere of "Roar and Resilience" (November 2024)

With friends at the premiere of "Roar and Resilience" – an unforgettable night.

With friends at the premiere of "Roar and Resilience" – an unforgettable night.

With Mrs. Fletcher, whose support made this event possible. Behind us is my 2022 lion painting depicting animals moving through city streets during the Covid lockdown, now displayed in the school house foyer.

With Mrs. Fletcher, whose support made this event possible. Behind us is my 2022 lion painting depicting animals moving through city streets during the Covid lockdown, now displayed in the school house foyer.