Tucked deep inside the bustling chaos of Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, between tinkling bangles and stalls selling hot jalebis, is a vintage photography studio that’s quietly become a hidden gem for nostalgia lovers and modern Instagrammers alike. Shivam Studio, originally established over 80 years ago, has seen a quaint resurgence since going viral on social media for its century-old camera equipment, hand-painted backdrops, and traditional portrait techniques. In a city racing ahead at breakneck digital speed, this living time capsule reminds us that some things—the glint in a bride’s eye, the warmth of black-and-white film—never go out of style.
The past few weeks have seen crowds gathering at this unassuming studio not just to get their portraits clicked, but to relive a piece of Delhi’s past. It’s no surprise then that Delhiites, long carriers of a complex relationship with their own heritage, have found comfort in the crisp click of an old Hasselblad lens and an artist who still hand-retouches portraits with a fine brush. Among the younger crowd especially, there’s been a wave of appreciation for this analog aesthetic—from college students dressed in retro garb to newlyweds wanting to frame their vows in sepia tones instead of megapixels.
What makes this revival even more heartening is how it bridges generations. Studio owner Jagmohan Sikka, now in his 70s, speaks of clients whose grandparents once posed in front of the same painted trees and cloudy skies that grace today’s prints. And beyond just a visual style, this rekindled love for analog photography echoes a wider sentiment—that even in our curated, filtered Instagram age, authenticity and emotion captured through patient, deliberate artistry will always hold a place.
As we rush into tomorrow with cutting-edge filters and fleeting reels, perhaps there is wisdom in pausing for a portrait. Not the kind you tap and swipe away, but one you treasure in a dusty frame, telling stories to children yet unborn. If nothing else, stopping by a little studio in Old Delhi could be a gentle reminder of how beautiful stillness can be when the world refuses to sit still.
#OldDelhiRewind
#VintageVibesDelhi
#AnalogLove
#PortraitsOfThePast
#DelhiThroughTime
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