Cinema VinesAmit Ashar, best known for his work as a still photographer in Bollywood, is preparing a coffee‑table book that will chronicle the life and legacy of legendary cinematographer Ashok Mehta. The book, set to hit shelves in late 2026, promises a rare visual journey through Mehta’s career, featuring more than three decades of photographs taken by Ashar on film sets across India.
According to an exclusive report from Bollywood Hungama, the collection will include never‑before‑seen images of Mehta at work, complemented by personal essays from some of the country’s most respected filmmakers and actors who collaborated closely with the veteran cinematographer. The aim is to celebrate Mehta’s enduring influence on Indian cinema and the visual style he brought to both art‑house and mainstream projects.
Mehta’s career began in an unconventional way, starting as a “runway hooker” before rising to become a National Award‑winning cinematographer and one of the highest‑paid technicians of his era. His signature work spans landmark films such as Aparna Sen’s 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981), Shyam Benegal’s Mandi (1983), Gulzar’s Ijaazat (1987), Girish Karnad’s Utsav (1984), Subhash Ghai’s Ram Lakhan (1989), and Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen (1994), among many others.
For the past year, Ashar has been curating the book, describing it as a deeply personal tribute. He credits Mehta as a mentor, a leading light, and a close friend, and says the archive captures intimate, behind‑the‑scenes moments that have never been publicly documented. The forthcoming volume is expected to combine iconic shots with lesser‑seen footage, offering readers a comprehensive look at Mehta’s artistic journey.
While the book’s release is slated for late 2026, fans of Mehta’s work and Bollywood photography enthusiasts can anticipate a richly illustrated homage that not only preserves the visual legacy of one of India’s most influential cinematographers but also highlights the collaborative spirit that defined his career.
