The Arts
October 2020
Hamir
The Fallen Prince of Ranthambore
by Arjun Anand
“I orient my ears towards the rustle. In the distant foliage, I hear not a roar but a breath, and I wish I had something more than my humble shooting machine to save my life. My heart pounds and I tighten my grip on the camera. And without warning, tearing the leaves apart, pounces out from the dark, the magnificent creature of black and yellow stripes. I forget my dread for a moment and surrender to the regal presence. And then the prince roars. And flashes its dagger-like-teeth...” Arjun Anand fell in love with Hamir at first sight. His obsession of following and chronicling the beast through his lens grew from hours to weeks to years. Now he takes us on this epic journey of the blue-eyed prince rising to become the ruler of the jungle, as it is pushed to the boundaries of the park. In doing so we witness a startling, gory collision of man and the wild. This vivid, enchanting and sincere book showcases a convergence of three elements, Ranthambore, the photographer and the journey of the man-eating tiger, Hamir. With over 150 photographs, Arjun Anand’s Hamir – The Fallen Prince of Ranthambore, takes you right into the Ranthambore National Park to witness the most enchanting beast and its bitter-sweet tale.
