CSB In Conversation With Blake Woodhams

South African photographer, Blake Woodhams is no outlander to Indian culture. Durban being his hometown, which is home to the largest population of Indians outside of India, Blake finds Indian culture and food close to his heart. 

Being brought up in a country where gay and straight people enjoy equal rights, Blake feels that the world knows of the problems that gay Indians are facing, but there is no face or personality on the issue. But Blake has come up with an interesting concept to address this. He aims to showcase these faces by composing an exhibition that will travel South Africa (where human rights are a big deal) to bring awareness and make our plight personal to South Africans. Similarly he will be photographing gay people in South Africa, who enjoy all the same rights as straight people and bring it to India as an exhibition. By involving both the countries, he wants to showcase the two sets to the world - one, where gays are treated as second class citizens and the other, where they are considered as equals.

Currently in Mumbai, Blake shares his thoughts with CSB readers on the recent Supreme Court 377 verdict, his project on Indian LGBT that brings him to the city and his views on South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nelson Mandela who was seen as an equal rights champion.

Crazy Sam (CS): Welcome to India! Guess this is your first visit to our country. 

Blake Woodhams (BW): No, actually it will be my second trip! I was lucky enough to visit late in 2008 for 10 days. 7 days in Mumbai with 3 in Goa. The trip was very short and I felt like a proper tourist. The highlights were making a new friend and being bitten with a curiosity to visit Mumbai again. 

CS: So is there something that you are particularly looking forward to? 

BW: This trip, I am most excited about spending time in the suburbs, seeing the park, catching trains and mostly, after hosting him so many times in Johannesburg, I am looking very forward to seeing where my friend Nolan Lewis (Mr. Gay India 2013) lives, meeting his friends and being able to experience his life. 

CS: Could you tell us something about your photography? 

BW: With each client, brief and shoot, the message changes slightly, but I do have one master theme. The underlying message of all my work, even my commercial & corporate work, is hope. My aim is always to find the best in a person and make that the centre of the message for that image. 

As Indians, you will understand the poverty of Africa, even if you have never been there. South Africa is a place where there are lots of poverty but also lots of hope. It's a message I want to share. I believe that hope is something we can nurture and, when it has momentum, it can change the course of history. 

CS: Currently what all assignments are keeping you busy? 

BW: Any photographer that says a particular assignment keeps him busy for too long is either not busy or not good! (Laughs) 

Assignments come in, are evaluated, executed and we move on to the next. I love my career and how different every shoot is, but they don’t stay for long and I am constantly being attracted to the challenge of the next one. 

However, the highlight for January 2014 was two shoots for Food & Home magazine in South Africa. Both were challenging and fun. 

The first was a food feature on potatoes. Potatoes are one of my favourite foods but they’re quite simple looking things and it was a challenge to make the photographs interesting and "delicious". 

The second shoot was for a celebrity feature. 6 South African celebrities were asked: "If you had one more day to live, what would your last meal be?” I photographed the 3 from Johannesburg, while another photographer shot the 3 from Cape Town. The location I used is a recently refurbished theatre and the red velvet, red carpet and red wallpaper made for a fantastic palette. The interesting part was that each photographer got to shoot half of a double page spread - one half of the dinner table in Johannesburg and the other half in Cape Town. Then an individual editorial portrait of each with their meal. I would have loved to share the pics with you all but the month of issue is April, so until then, unfortunately I can’t share anything. 

CS: That is quite interesting! I know you are in India to pursue a project. Could you share details about that? And how can people approach you to be part of this? 

BW: I am in India to grow my network, produce an Indian portfolio of work and spend time in a city I’ve fallen in love with. I’m open for bookings but, while I’m in India, I am going to be working on a personal project too. It is this project that I would like to share and invite participants. 

My plan is to help change the way India and the rest of the world sees India's LGBT community. I've come up with an idea for an exhibition. If you've felt like you wanted to do something to help your community, now is your chance. If you are happy to be photographed by me and answer a few questions, please email me to find out more. 

CS: What do you feel about the recent judgment by the Indian Supreme Court on Section 377? According to you, how should the Indian LGBT movement proceed at this juncture? 

BW: Your battle is for recognition. The first step is to make yourselves known. As a community, you have no identity. Without identity you cannot be recognized. 

Some brave individuals are making themselves known. You should join them and show your country who you are. 

People’s perception of homosexuality changes when they personally know someone who is gay. It is easy for a straight person to condemn gay people, but when their brother or cousin or son is gay, their love for you will spread to the community at large. 

CS: What would you like to tell Indian LGBT in terms of gaining acceptance or seen as equals by the straight people? 

BW: As gay people, we are more often judged for lack of morals than we are for loving someone of the same sex. 

Too many gay men become immoral and full of lust. We can’t expect the straight community to respect us if we treat each other like meat. Stay true to the principles and teaching that your parents gave you. Be good men who treat others with respect and love. 

CS: So how is Johannesburg in terms of openness to LGBT culture? 

BW: South Africa has one of the most liberal and free constitutions in the world. Even though many of our cultures are old and strict, as a nation we recognize everyone’s right to be themselves. 

Many people still feel that homosexuality is wrong or they don't understand it yet, but our law protects us and many people stand up for LGBT rights. We have the right to marry and adopt children. With leaders like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, we are very blessed. 

CS: Nelson Mandela was seen as an LGBT rights champion and I believe he was considered as a gay icon by South Africans. How did he handle the anti-LGBT views? 

BW: As you probably know, black people were oppressed under the apartheid government. Gay persecution was just as bad, if not worse sometimes, than black rights. However the advantage was that you can hide being gay, you can't hide being black. 

Nelson Mandela wasn't only a black leader, he was a leader for all of South Africa. He championed true democracy, not just for his fellow black people, but for all people. He wasn't pro-gay. He was only pro-democracy and pro-equality. He didn't fight for gay rights, he fought for all people's rights. 

The beauty of the "struggle", as it's known in South Africa, is that it was a fight by all people for all people. The enemy was a supremacist white Afrikaner government and some of the white population, while the rest of the country either turned a blind eye or fought for a free and equal state, led by Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela showed South Africa, by example, that if we want to be truly free, we must give everyone else their freedom too. 

CS: And lastly, what do you think about Indian men? And any bollywood hero that you are particularly fond of? :-) 

BW: You shouldn't ask me questions about the visual realm if you want a short answer! ;-) 

I’d like to separate those 2 questions, but answer them together. 

My appreciation of Indian men is not well represented by the Bollywood that I’m familiar with. To me, the beauty of an Indian man is in the subtle contrast between pitch-black hair and the deep brass-brown of his skin. 

Light bouncing off healthy skin, wet hair, the white of teeth or from around onyx eyes is captivating. It’s the reason that gold and brightly coloured, ornate fabrics look so good on Indian people. Your physical palette is designed for highlights and sparkle. 

To finish my answer, even though it's the most likely response, I must say that I most captivated by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. My favourite Bollywood movies are Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Devdas and Mohabbatein. So you can understand my actor choices. These two actors are so iconic because of their incredible talent. Amitabh strikes fear, or soothes with his deep strong voice. Shah Rukh makes you fall in love with his eyes just as easily as he makes you cry. There isn't even Hollywood equals I can liken them to! 

But as a complete spin, my favorite actor in Bollywood is Kajol ;-) 

To be part of Blake’s project on Indian LGBT, you can mail him at blake[at]woodhams.co.za to know more. Blake will be in Mumbai till Wednesday, March 4th. 
Check out Blake's photography website at http://www.blakewoodhams.co.za/

Check out these related posts too!
CSB In Conversation With MB Padmakumar
CSB In Conversation With Nolan Lewis
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I Want Mr. Gay India To Walk The Talk: Nolan Lewis

Photography by Marc Drofmans

Life has taken a fabulous upswing for Nolan Lewis - Mr. Gay India 2013, after his return from this year's Mr. Gay World (MGW), which was held at Antwerp, Belgium in August. Even though Mr. Gay New Zealand, Christopher Colwage was adjudged as Mr. Gay World 2013, Nolan was among the Top Ten finalists. He was also one of the favourites for the international media since everyone was curious to hear from the Indian representative and understand the Indian LGBT landscape. As part of the pageant activities, Nolan created a picturesque collage of Indian LGBT icons featuring Ashok Row Kavi, Wendell Rodricks, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Shakuntala Devi, which is now on permanent display at Antwerp's LGBTI archive.

The MGW organization has also conferred him the title, 'Founder - Mr. Gay World India' to kick start the annual Mr. Gay India pageant from next year. In an exclusive interview for CSB readers, Nolan shares his MGW experience, his vision for the upcoming Mr. Gay India pageant, and how his world has changed for the better post MGW 2013.

Nolan Lewis was featured in the popular CSB Xclusive! series early this year. Click here to reach the post.

Photography by Andrea Fernandes

Crazy Sam (CS): Last time when we spoke, you were facing challenges financially and also searching for a designer. How did it all come together for you?

Nolan Lewis (NL): I believe in the saying that ‘when you make a wish, the universe conspires to make things come true.’ I remember how hard times were when we spoke last. I didn’t have the money to fund a ticket or the wardrobe for the pageant. I utilized the savings that I had, but also there were friends who contributed towards my airfare because they could see how noble my cause was.

Wendell Rodricks helped me put together my National Costume. He sent me a beautiful open-front lime green jacket from Goa a few days before I left for MGW13. You can’t believe how excited I was to see it! 

CS: What was your feeling on the first day when you landed at Antwerp?

NL: The delegates from all across the world had already added each other on various social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, months before the pageant. Landing into Antwerp felt like a reunion of sorts, because we were just picking up conversations where we had left them online. We were like a bunch of school kids, hugging and screaming! It was really funny!

Image courtesy: Mr. Gay World

CS: How did everyone react when you told them that you represent India? Did you have to correct anyone on some misconceptions that the world has about our country?

NL: India has very interesting stories to tell, because we still are in the nascent stages of defining LGBT rights. Everyone admired my courage and the determination I displayed despite all the odds that stood against me. I was surprised because even the international media had been following my story and had so many interesting questions to ask mainly because most countries have a strong Indian community across the world, and they were eager to see India participate in a gay pageant!

The West still perceives India as an enchanted land with elephants and snake-charmers. I had to laugh and tell many people that it’s been a decade since I saw an elephant on the streets of Mumbai. Unfortunately, the alarming number of crimes towards women was also highlighted and that was one of the questions asked to me by the judges. I answered their questions to the best of my ability but it was not an easy spot to be in. 

CS: Can you tell me something about the collage you made?

Click the above photograph to view the collage

NL: “Looking through Pink Glasses” was the arts challenge that every delegate at Mr. Gay World had to present. We had to make an exhibit of what homosexuality was like in our country. I created a sepia Bollywood poster that was distinctly Indian with all the LGBT icons such as Ashok Row Kavi, Wendell Rodricks, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Shakuntala Devi on it. It was a chronographic timeline on how the scene in India has changed over the centuries and it was very well received. All the exhibits are now on permanent display in Antwerp’s LGBTI archive. Please stop by if you ever visit the city.

CS: What were the thoughts going in your mind while you were standing there on the pageant platform?

NL: There was very little time to think because the actual pageant felt like a beautifully choreographed musical! You must YouTube Mr. Gay World 2013 to see more. We were either dancing to the Baywatch theme song for the swimsuit round or a Lady Gaga medley for the club wear round. When it announced that I made it to the Top Ten finalists, I breathed a sigh of relief! I knew I had set a new record for India. I can proudly say that I’ve changed LGBTI Indian history. I’m hoping that in a few years from now, India will be crowned Mr. Gay World.

Image courtesy: Mr. Gay World

CS: You have been assigned as the MGW representative to choose the next Mr. Gay India. How does it feel to shoulder this responsibility? What will you be doing different this time?

NL: Believe it or not, Mr. Gay World receives hundreds of applications from India every year! Isn’t it only fair that we organize an annual pageant and that the winner goes to the World pageant via a national competition?

Mr. Gay India sounds like a prospect that is daunting and exciting both at the same time. What motivates me is the idea of creating a positive role model for young gay men in India. We didn’t have positive gay role models to look up to in our times, we do now.

I’m busy brainstorming means on how we can organize Mr. Gay India as an annual pageant here. Apart from sponsorship and finances, that also means crossing several legal and social hurdles. I get panic attacks just thinking about the same. Luckily, Mr. Gay World is an amazing mentor and there are several international LGBT activists as guides to help me through.

CS: What are the qualities that you look for from the next Mr. Gay India? What do you think we should improve upon to win the MGW title?

NL: Mr. Gay India needs to be a Perfect Ten. Beautiful inside-out. There needs to be an added emphasis on being aware of LGBTI issues around the world and having an opinion on the same. There’s no point in appointing a winner unless he delivers. At the end of each year, I’ll be asking the winner, “What did you do for LGBTI India? Show me tangible results.” Talking the talk is one thing; I want Mr. Gay India to walk the talk. I struggled so much with arranging my finances and wardrobe for the pageant, that I didn’t focus as much on my fitness and preparation as much as I’d liked. I like Mr. Gay India 2014 to have all of that taken care of, so that he can focus on presenting himself at the world pageant.

Image courtesy: Mr. Gay World

CS: Any funny incident from MGW that still makes you laugh?

NL: Oh my god! I’m glad you asked! As the photos suggest, I wore my hair long at the pageant. There was this time where the delegates were waiting backstage to inaugurate the opening of the OutGames, the international LGBT community’s response to the Olympics. I was looking quite flustered because it had been a long day. David Montes, Mr. Gay Mexico was standing behind me and started combing my hair with his fingers just so that I would calm down. Little did we know that we had video cameras recording us and playing simultaneously on the big-screen on the stage! I saw the audience laughing hysterically and pointing at me. It was so embarrassing. I wished the earth would open up and swallow me alive!

Image courtesy: Mr. Gay World

CS: So how has your world changed post MGW?

NL: I think MGW13 was my coming of age. MGW has changed my life in so many ways. As of today, I am Mr. Gay India 2013, but I am also ‘Founder - Mr. Gay World India.’ The amount of international recognition and appreciation I have received has been overwhelming. Magazines and TV channels all the way from Amsterdam to Australia were interested in what LGBT India has to say, and I’m honoured to be one of the spokespersons for the same.

I work as tarot reader and a crystal healer. I couldn’t help but notice a difference in the rise of number of my LGBT clientele after the pageant.

B&O Amazing Cruises has appointed me as their Indian Brand Ambassador. B&O Amazing Cruises offers cruises custom-made to meet the needs of the gay and lesbian traveler  LGBT travel is still a fairly new concept in India. You can log on to www.amazingcruises.eu for more details on how you can create a memorable cruise experience as a gay traveler.

Also, without divulging too many details, I’ll be starring in a film with an acclaimed international filmmaker soon. Look out for me in a cinema near you sometime next year!

Photography by Andrea Fernandes

CS: Thank you Nolan for your time. I’m glad to know that MGW13 has opened up a lot of opportunities for you. Anything you wish to add before we wrap up?

NL: I’m here chatting with you, Sam, and I’m at a zenith. Even though I contested a gay pageant, there was no social or political backlash as we had earlier feared. In fact, my life has only changed for the better. My advice to the LGBT youth of today is to come out and embrace your identity. Closets are so 1988!

Several studies estimate that we have approximately 3 million LGBT individuals in India. If we stand together and speak as a community, archaic laws such as section 377 would only be an unpleasant memory. Trust me, our children are going to be laughing at the idea that we even had laws that stigmatizes homosexuality. It’s ridiculous!

Image courtesy: Mr. Gay World

Check out these related posts too! 
CSB Xclusive! Nolan Lewis - Mr. Gay India 2013
CSB In Conversation With Dan Skinner
CSB In Conversation With Ronald N. Tan

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CSB In Conversation With Dan Skinner

Long time CSB followers must be familiar with Dan Skinner, his exquisite works of photography have been showcased here  before. He has been a photographer for the last 15 years where his work is featured in various book covers and magazines such as DNA and Beautiful Mag to name a few. Through his works, Dan aims to show gay romance in the same light and venue as straight romance had been for years; with equal beauty and sensitivity and sensuality. 

Dan has also now ventured into writing. His first novel ‘Coverboy’ was released for Dreamspinner Press in 2008. Now after a gap of 5 years, he has come out with his latest romantic fiction titled ‘Memorizing You.’ From the woods of Maryland Heights in Missouri, Dan shares his thoughts with CSB readers about his experience of writing 'Memorizing You', what he wishes to bring to the readers through this novel, his experience of being a gay man and his upcoming projects.

Crazy Sam (CS): ‘Memorizing You’ is being released after a gap of 5 years since your last novel. How did the ideation start? 

Dan Skinner (DS): There was a large gap between novels because I became inundated with photography work. I had actually begun the plot work for ‘Memorizing You’ right after ‘Coverboy’, but got sidelined by the shoots. It was worthwhile though. Many of them ended up being featured by magazines like Blake and Horizon, DNA and Beautiful Mag. I actually got back to putting words down for ‘Memorizing You’ about a year ago because I had a few more gaps of time to myself and the story actually began invading my dreams. That was a sign to me that it had to get done. 

CS: How was the experience in writing this book? 

DS: The experience actually was quite life altering. One of my characters who love to run had that trait because I used to love to run. It helped me relieve stress and think, and I hadn't done it in years. Well, in writing it, I developed that urge to get out and run again, and now I'm addicted. I get up every morning at three-thirty and hit the streets before the sun comes up. On the psychological side, it brought back a lot of my real reasons of why I got into photography - the mission I had to show that homosexual love was just as beautiful and romantic as heterosexual love. I was just using words to convey the message this time. 

With ‘Memorizing You’, I wrote with the perspective of talking to a mainstream audience. This is a love story, like all love stories told before it.. but with two men. I want anyone who has read any of these other romances to be able to read this one and be touched in their hearts, minds and souls in the exact manner as all the other love stories. I want them to walk away feeling that love is the greatest thing, the most life-altering thing, and the most memorable thing of being alive. I want people who are gay, who reads it to know that love chooses us... not the other way around. 

CS: Could you share a brief synopsis of the novel? 

DS: ‘Memorizing You’ is a coming of age tale that unfolds against the colourful, stylish, and turbulent backdrop of free love, revolution, and The Beatles. 

Two high school boys from different walks of life - Ryan, a handsome athlete, and David, an average joe from a blue collar family, discover their desires, stealing their kisses under the cover of an old oak at night. Their love begins a secret life, hidden from their families, friends, and classmates. As their passion grows, so does the danger of their discovery. Their only hope is to create a separate world where every kiss is a treasure and every moment... memorable. 

First love. Secret love. Unforgettable love.

CS: For whom do you recommend this novel to? 

DS: This is a book for everyone. I wrote it so all age groups could enjoy it. It is truly an old-fashioned, heart-rending tale of first love and romance; of self-discovery and awareness of one's sexual identity. I recommend that people buy it to read to their lover or partner at bedtime. Or someone who wants to relive that first moment that they knew they were spellbound by the magic of love. Or those who want to know what it will feel like when it does happen. That's the type of book it is. It makes you believe that, no matter what, we are all destined to love.. and it will change everything in us when it happens. 

CS: And how has been the initial feedback? 

DS: The feedback has been wonderful. I've got a lot of five star reviews and many personal letters from folks who loved that it was truly an old fashioned romance. 

CS: Currently is it available only on Kindle? Any plans to publish it? 

DS: I haven't got that far in my thinking. It depends on sales. I don't think there's a lot of demand for actual hold-in-your-hand books today. I see everybody reading on their electronic devices. And truthfully, that may save a lot of trees. LOL! 

CS: So how did you start photography and writing? 

DS: I've been doing photography forever it seems. Can't remember the number of years but well over twenty. Did fitness photography, then covers for mainstream "straight" romance novels before turning to M/M romance photography in 2008. My first novel, ‘Coverboy’ was released in 2008. I wrote long before that, but nothing of this type of length.

CS: Being 48, could you let us know the changes you have witnessed over the decades in terms of life for a homosexual man? 

DS: I've seen a lot of changes over the years in social acceptance of homosexuality. When I was a teenager it was still a curse word, still hidden. But we all still existed, found each other and had our places to get together. They were pretty hidden, holes in the wall type places. Year by year, as the media made it more visible with shows like Will & Grace, and more gay characters in films, I've seen the culture become more tolerant. I don't think we are there yet. I still hear people using the word “gay" as a derogatory term, but we're getting better. Now with marriage equality making strides forward, I have a lot more hope that one day a married gay couple will be as mundane as a married straight couple. 

CS: And what projects are keeping you busy these days? 

DS: Lots of photography projects in the works. The next month I have three already scheduled. I also have already completed two other novels which will be proofed and then go into editing. One is an erotic novel entitled, ‘The Bible Boys’, and the other is another romantic fiction ala a combination of a gay Lolita and Death In Venice entitled, ‘Vicarious’. All the books are quite different in nature because I like to explore different aspects of my own psyche.

You can buy ‘Memorizing You’ from Amazon (Kindle Edition) by clicking here. 

The photographs showcased in this post are independent creations of Dan Skinner and are not part of ‘Memorizing You.’ You can click on them to see their unedited high resolution versions. 

To see more of Dan's work, visit his gallery. 

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CSB In Conversation With Ronald N. Tan 

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CSB Xclusive! An Interview With Ronald N. Tan

His clients include magazines - DNA, reFRESH, BeautifulMag, Vertu, Horizon, M Mensuel; French apparel brand - Vilain Garcon; and model agencies - Bleu Model Management, City Models SF, Click Models LA, Ford Models SF, Renegade Models NYC; to name a few. But Ronald N. Tan doesn’t let the success and fame go to his head, has his feet both firmly on ground and prefers to be regarded as an "emerging photo- grapher." Born in Burma, his family traditionally held professions in medicine and Ronald himself is a baccalaureate in Applied Physics & Pre-pharmacy. In 2007, he took that leap to chase his dream of becoming a photographer and there was no stopping for him after that. In this interview to me, Ronald shares to CSB readers about his journey of being a men’s fashion and beauty photographer, his deep love for India and Indian men, and also about his ongoing exploratory project titled "Personal Project."

Just FYI, Ronald’s photography was previously showcased on CSB at here.

Crazy Sam (CS): You chose to chase your dream of pursuing photography instead of staying on to be in the academic field. What gave you the courage to do such a scary shift?

Ronald N. Tan (RT): The spark that ignited my passion into an evolved conflagration is when I finally grasped the reality of my homosexuality in 2006. The newfound elated liberation gave me the courage and the strength to pursue my dreams of being a visual artist.

Click the pics for their complete and higher resolution versions.

CS: Did you have to put in a lot of effort than you thought to bag that first assignment?

RT: It was effortless for me because the Paris-based M MENSUEL Magazine editor found my photographs of Los Angeles actor Marco Dapper on the French blog site of Vilain Garcon, ran by Monsieurs Michel Sétan & Matthieu Croquette. Fred LeFeuille contacted me shortly and issued me my first cover with a featured six-page spread in his magazine that circulated into mainstream neighbouring countries of France, French-provinces of Canada, and the New York City. It was interesting because my adventures as an "emerging photographer" started thereafter.

CS: Currently what all assignments are keeping you busy?

RT: Personal Project is keeping me busy for now. I welcome and accept assignments! I'm going to be on my best behavior and look forward to serving my clients. :-)

CS: A photographer you admire?

RT: Tony Duran. Because I am going through my "B+W" phase.

CS: I know you have a special affinity towards Indian men and you consider yourself at times a "Desi-at-heart." Could you give us an insight to that?

RT: INDIAN MEN ARE MY KRYPTONITE!!! You are all beautiful and I love you all. I think karma and reincarnation made an error and I was born Burmese/Chinese! :-) Maybe in my next life, I'd be born into a Desi family where my mum and dad are the BEST Indian artisan chefs specializing in Madras, Punjabi fine-cuisines. Being born in Rangoon, Burma, my native country conjugated cultural influx with India. I grew up nourished with Burmese food that is influenced from India, Thailand, and China. At a young age, I was enamoured with India at the surface level, but not fully appreciated or understood in-depth. Even today, I have yet to see India with my own eyes and see its people living in reality and not from an illusion painted by the tourist industry. I want to see and experience her beauty - both the good and the bad - later in the future. Obviously I was facetious in the beginning, but my appreciation towards your country and culture is more profound than the assortment of what the mainstream exports.

CS: Your favourite Indian actors?

RT: You'll need a sequel to the interview if you want me to fully disclose my favorites! Mr. Shah R. Khan enticed me into the Bollywood genre with his film, "Asoka." Since then, I have learnt to enjoy viewing films that starred: Amitabh Bachan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachan, Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee, Priyanka Chopra, Preity Zinta, Kareena Kapoor, Jaya Bachan, Kirron Kher, et al.

CS: Tell us something about your "Personal Project" which you see as being more edgy when compared to your usual shoots.

RT: "Personal Project" is a tentative title of a forthcoming photography book project I am working on with careful attention. Due to the sensitive nature, a minor change in direction or gesture can be turning a regal photograph in the opposite direction. Containing artistic male nudity, it is my first exploratory project on highly provocative sexual images of men, simultaneously exhibiting class and regalia. It is more than a book chock full of naked men. Each photograph of the volunteers I've captured contained a fragment of myself - what I was thinking and what mood I was experiencing when I pressed the shutter on my camera. These photographs are an extension, an alternate glimpse into my psyche as an emerging visual artist facing the challenges and trepidation from societal scrutiny. When I initially commenced this sensitive project, I feared how I'd be perceived. I feel that although I am relatively new to the photography industry, I have artistically matured. I am ready to understand and grasp the intellectual and artistic merit required to appreciate the nude genre. If anyone gives me crap, I am just going to show them my middle finger.

CS: How can models approach you to be part of the "Personal Project"? Any prerequisites?

RT: Volunteers should, first of all, understand why I am involved in PP. They should understand their contribution and role towards PP. If models are interested in volunteering towards PP, they are all encouraged to submit via my website, http://www.ronaldntan.com. Instructions are under the "Personal Project" (PP) gallery. Due to practical reasons, volunteers should be local to San Francisco or Los Angeles.

CS: Can I assume that there is a possibility that "Personal Project" could bring you to India?

RT: DON'T GET ME STARTED!!! This would be a whole new book. It would probably result in my demise.. getting the privilege of capturing my true Adonises. You and your readers know Indian men are my KRYPTONITE. Then again, if that indeed occurred, I want my epitaph to simply read:

"Here lies Burmese photographer, Ronald Nyein Zaw Tan. He went chasing his dreams in 2007, found it, and is resting in peace in India while working on 'Personal Project: The Indian Edition'. His heart skipped several beats from too much Indian hotness resulting in cessation of normal circulation of the blood!"

I better be rested with all my photography equipment so I could finish "Personal Project" in my next life. :-)

The following video contains artistic nudity. Viewer discretion is advised.

Ronald N. Tan reserves the copyright for the images and the video.

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