The Perfect Shot: Aziz Dhamani on capturing the magic of A.R. Rahman
Vancouver-based photographer Aziz Dhamani approaches live shows with a deep sense of intention. For him, it’s about capturing emotion, timing the shot just right, and being fully present in the moment. Over the years, he’s photographed some of the biggest names in South Asian entertainment, including Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Arijit Singh. But when A.R. Rahman’s tour came through Vancouver, the experience was more personal.
When the Crowd Feels Like Part of the Show
When Aziz looks for moments to capture, he focuses on when everything clicks, when the artist, the audience, and the energy in the room all come together. Those are the moments he waits for.
“The energy of the artist and the crowd, when those two align, something magical happens. That’s the moment I always wait for: when the crowd rises to their feet, tuning in to the same frequency as the performer. Time blurs, the atmosphere shifts, and everything becomes surreal. It’s no longer just a performance; it becomes a shared experience, a powerful wave of connection that you feel and capture through the lens”.
It’s that shared energy that turns a great photo into a lasting memory. And for Aziz, one of those unforgettable moments came during a single song:It’s that shared energy that turns a great photo into a lasting memory. And for Aziz, one of those unforgettable moments came during a single song:
“Main Hu Punjab” hit me deep this time.
Coming from Bangladesh and living in Surrey, BC, where the Punjabi community is so deeply rooted, I’ve been surrounded by the language, culture, and history through so many of my friends. Over time, I’ve come to understand not just the words, but the emotions behind them.
That’s why hearing this song live was powerful. It wasn’t just music, it was a moment. A wave of pride, struggle, and identity that transcends borders. A moment I’ll always cherish”.
Photographing Legends
Aziz’s dedication to his work is admirable. His goal is to go beyond capturing a single moment in time and preserve the essence of the collective emotion. No matter who he’s capturing, his goal is the same:
“Life through the lens is deeply personal for me. I don’t just aim to capture the artist, I strive to capture their emotion, their essence, those rare moments when they’re truly in their element.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing icons like Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arijit Singh, Adnan Sami, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Farhan Akhtar, and many more.”
Even while working with legendary performers, Aziz keeps a humble and focused mindset.
“My approach is simple: I see myself as an artist too, creating visuals through my lens while they create through their performance. I’ve never chased selfies or fan moments. I show up with respect, do my job with focus, and let the work speak for itself.
That quiet professionalism hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Not once have I been told I’m being unprofessional. That, to me, is the biggest compliment.”
How A.R. Rahman Changed Everything
Aziz grew up on band rock like Guns N’ Roses, Queen, Scorpions, and Pink Floyd, along with bands from Pakistan and Bangladesh like Junoon, Vital Signs, Miles, and Warfaze. Bollywood wasn’t even on his radar until he heard Rahman’s music.
“A.R. Rahman’s music converted me to listen to Bollywood music… When I first heard A.R., I was a bit taken away, and slowly I moved into listening to music from Bollywood… he changed the whole music industry with his approach and style of music.
That shift in musical taste profoundly shaped how Aziz approached photographing Rahman’s concert.
“If I were shooting [a] video, I might have had a different approach [to keep] the style and soulful energy he brings with his music, but for photographs, it’s the overall light and soundplay which I try to capture in a shot, pouring the energy and emotion in a static image.”
What He Hopes You See in His Photos
So, what does Aziz want people to feel when they look at his images from the show?
“I hope they can relive the experience they had when they witnessed the magician doing his magic, and people who have not seen him live will be inspired to go and see the show live because there is nothing that can compare to a good live show where the light, sound, and performance are coming together.”
He shared this as one of his favorite captures:
Still a Few Cities Left, Don’t Miss the Magic!
Aziz Dhamani’s work reminds us that a great concert lives on not just in our memories, but also in the images we take with us. His eye for emotion and reverence for the moment bring A.R. Rahman’s music to life in a whole new way.
If you haven’t yet, catch the A.R. Rahman Tour live. And keep an eye out for Aziz’s photos. They may just capture the moment you remember forever.
Follow Aziz on Instagram: @azizdhamani
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