A sneak peek at Daboo Ratnani’s 2009 calendar

Dabboo Ratnani is a free spirit who has an artistic license and needs the freedom to pursue his muse. Mostly known for his annual calendar which has become a highly notable showbiz event in India since its first publication in 1999. His gregarious and easy relationship with his subjects infuses his work and humor. The stars trust him as he combines sensitivity with allure.

He unveils his 2009 calendar today amidst the starry brigade. He is celebrating the 10th year of his work of art. To mark the decade, Dabboo has indulged in two things he has never done with the camera — shooting an actress in a sari and working with Sushmita Sen, who graces his calendar for the first time.

Who's in it: Apart from Sush, it features Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, Sushmita Sen, Sanjay Dutt, Kajol, Riteish Desh-mukh, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan.

Mixed Hues: "I have not restricted myself to any dramatic theme for 2009. Some are in black and white, some are in reds while the rest are in vivid colours," says Dabboo who begins work on his annual ritual in September every year. "Initially, I used to collect snaps of the stars I had shot and put them together for the calendar. But later, I began shooting them exclusively for it."

Kajol: Initially, it was supposed to be shot in a rundown garage. But when I saw Kajol in the gown and in keeping with her bindaas image, I put her on top of a cab. We shot for it on the streets of Oshiwara and despite the crowd, she was gung-ho. The concept is the morning after a party with the glass and her footwear carelessly thrown in.




Deepika Padukone: This is the first time in all these years that I have shot an actress for the calendar in a sari. That is why the warrior queen/devi look with the sword in hand. The picture is sensual but has a lot of mood in it.




Riteish Deshmukh: A Beatles-inspired black-and-white '60s look. I wanted to give the picture an extremely retro feel. In stead of having him strumming the guitar, I had him chucking it — just to make it look more cool. And check out Riteish's suit.




Sunjay Dutt: I had gone over to Sanjay's place to shoot him. But when I saw his Ferrari, I changed my mind. He had just bought it and as he is crazy about cars, it had to be him and his new pair of wheels.