Photography is a creative art. It is catching a moment that we can cherish for a lifetime. The moment stays with us. Photography is a way of feeling, touching, and loving. It makes us remember the little things which we could forget in the course of our lives. So Photography is a special art and the photographers are THE ARTISTS who make our lives memorable.
Dr. Shivakumar Anand carved a niche for himself in the Telugu States with his photography way back in the 90s. Shivakumar Anand developed a passion for photography at a young age. He took a course in Photography at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad in the year 1988. In those days there was no photography course in any university in India.
As the course in photography for the first time got introduced in JNTU, demand for it got intense. Dr. Shivakumar Anand created history by securing 6th rank in that competition. Shivakumar Anand, who joined the photography course after completing his Ph.D., was congratulated by the then principal who called him on stage in front of all the students. It is one of the most memorable experiences for him in his academic work.
Recently, the second annual alumni gathering of JUTUH USA was held in the state of New Jersey in America which also marks the Golden Jubilee Year of JNTU Hyderabad. JNTUH Vice Chancellor prof. Katta Narasimha Reddy was the Chief Guest for the function. Dr. Shivakumar Anand was invited on stage and showered praises on his passion for photography. Dr. Sivakumar Anand expressed happiness on being honored at JNTUH Golden Jubilee year celebrations stating that it gave him an unforgettable experience in life.
Dr. Shivakumar Anand started his professional career by working as the personal photographer for the legendary actor and politician Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao. After that, he worked as Photo Journalist for over 10 years in different media houses like “Andhra Bhoomi”, “Deccan Chronicle”, “Udayam”, “Vartha”, “Andhra Prabha”, “Indian Express”, “Andhra Jyoti” etc..,
Within a short period of time, Mr. Anand gained a good reputation for his work. Dr. Shivakumar Anand understood very early in his career with photography is a creative job and his photos speak a lot. Many of his photographs were used on the cover pages of the English Magazine “The Week”.
In 1994, he worked for a while as a cinema still photographer in a cinema magazine called ‘Super Hit’ led by popular actress Roja. After that, between 1995-96, he studied photography techniques for a year at the biggest studio in Japan. The studio recognized the talent of Dr. Shivakumar Anand and offered him a project to work on in different countries for two years. After successfully completing the project in 1996-98, Dr. Shivakumar Anand got the opportunity to work in the USA.
Based on Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani’s novel, Manjula Naidu directed a serial “Agamanam” which has Sarath Babu and Rupa in the lead roles. Sarath Babu who is a popular movie actor doing a serial was a sensation at that time. Dr. Shivakumar Anand worked as a still photographer for that serial. It is one of the sensational serials which ran for over 2 years successfully. During that time, Sarath Babu used to interact with Dr. Shivakumar Anand as he shares the same passion – PHOTOGRAPHY.
Currently settled in the USA along with his family, Dr. Shivakumar Anand didn’t leave his passion. He has been providing distinguished services in photography for the past 28 years. Dr. Sivakumar Anand continues to be the Director of JSW & Jaiswaraajya Organizations in association with Jai Yalamanchili, JSW & Jaiswaraajya Organizations advisory, and UBlood App founder. It is so inspiring that Dr. Shivakumar Anand has the same passion and dedication he has towards his work since his younger days till date. He still continues to be a photographer, even after 28 long years.
Dr. Shivakumar Anand married Uma Devi and the couple are continuing to lead a happy life. Uma Devi shares her husband’s passion for photography which made them work in unison. Shivakumar and Uma Devi are proud parents of two children. Sai Kiran, their son completed his masters in aerospace engineering and is working as a design engineer for the Mars satellite. He is continuing his research work as well. Shivani, their daughter is continuing the legacy of Dr. Shivakumar Anand. She is pursuing a degree in cinematography at New York University.
