Surgeon’s shots

"Performing surgeries under a microscope has helped me develop a better frame concept which is the most important aspect of photography. The intricacies required during a brain surgery are similar to those required for a perfect picture,” commented neurosurgeon Dr Keki Turel who had his first solo photography exhibition at the newly opened Gallery ZBL in Bombay’s Fort area from June 4 to July 11, 2005.

Inaugurating the exhibition, well known artist Jehangir Sabavala remarked, "Dr Turel is such a multifaceted personality. He was a sportsman and was even ordained a priest.” Among the other eminent figures who admired the good doctor’s creativity were adman Prahlad Kakkar, scriptwriter and photographer Sooni Taraporewala, deputy consul general of China Song Yumin, and directors of the Gallery Dr Faram Irani and Morvarid Tafty.

Turel with his exhibits (above) and (right) with art collector Raju Kripalani, Yumin and Sabavala

"Microsurgery has given me a sharper eye which helps me take more vivid shots,” Turel told Nicole Dastur of Bombay Times, explaining that quick reflexes which are essential while operating help him capture candid moments on the camera. Fascinated by nature and human emotions, Turel who never ceases to marvel at the intricacy of the brain explained, "Nature’s beauty is all around us, it is up to us to capture it…What differentiates a photographer from an ordinary individual is his sense of perception. He can see what the normal eye misses.” Photography has been his passion since childhood.

A pair of zebras raised on their hind legs, a baby rhinoceros keeping in step with its parent, an elephant pensively eyeing its tusks…reflect his sense of timing and focus, the two qualities which he feels a good photographer and surgeon should possess. As summed up Turel, both science and religion "require a high degree of artistry.”