Varanasi: Intense, Spiritual, and Logistically Delicate

Varanasi is where life and death share the same riverbank. It is visually arresting, but ethically sensitive.

The Burning Question: Manikarnika Ghat

Manikarnika is the main cremation ghat. It is not a tourist attraction; it is a funeral site.

• The Rules: You cannot just point a camera at a burning pyre. It is disrespectful and dangerous as local sentiments can easily be offended.

• Our Approach: We secure specific permissions from the "Dom Raja" (custodian of the ghat) and police. We usually arrange shoots from a boat at a respectful distance, using long lenses to capture the atmosphere without violating privacy.

The "Galis" (Narrow Lanes)

No cars fit here! We use a network of porters and cycle rickshaws to move gear. Your Steadicam operator better have good shoes.

Celebrity Fashion Designer Floris Van Bommel, Shoot in Varanasi

We shot in many locations from Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, and Varanasi. But, it was Varanasi which really inspired the Dutch crew and the Summer Campaign.