Shot in God’s own country, Kerala, the Kingfisher Calendar 2021 is all about good times and good-looking people. In the 19th edition of the calendar, photographer Atul Kasbekar has captured the lush vegetation of Coconut Lagoon and the tranquil Marari Beach, Kochi with five gorgeous ladies – Gehna Mahiarya, Kritika Babu, Anukreethy Vas, Adline Castelino and Sumita Bhandari. Styled by the talented Allia Al Rufai with make-up by Maniasha Fialkina and hairstylist Flavien Heldt, this one is a 
treat for the eyes!
Photographer Atul Kasbekar shared his experience of shooting the 19th edition of the calendar with TMM.
How do you ensure you keep the calendar fresh and different each time?
The location plays a large part in deciding what we are shooting and how we are shooting. The good times are defined by beautiful people in beautiful places. The lovely exotic destinations have a mystique of their own. Also, by and large, it’s a newer talent we shoot with. So, there is always a novelty about that.
Do you do a lot of research before you shoot or is it instinctive?
I can’t go with a unit of 20 odd people and wonder where to shoot. So, there is a recce done in advance. We have to see the kind of backgrounds we are looking for and if we have tied up with a brand, then we have to look for accessories that match. So, on the day we have to shoot, we know exactly where we are shooting, who we are shooting with, what hour of the day we are shooting , and with which swimsuit and accessories.
Have you ever shot in Kerala before for the Kingfisher Calendar?
No, I have never shot there before. I love Kerala personally and have been to different parts of the state. It is quite magical. I think it’s a really special part of our country. We have shot in many other parts of the country and Kerala was always on the agenda. Since we were pretty much India-bound because of the pandemic, we thought of shooting at a place we have always wanted to go but have not till now.
What does it take to be on the calendar?
It’s a given that you have to be in terrific shape. They need to be extremely fit. The other thing which I want to point out is that it is also a lot about confidence. When you see a still photograph, you look at their eyes first and then you start noticing the other things, like the swimsuit, the body , and the location. It’s crucially important that you have an innate confidence about who you are and what you stand for. That radiates from your eyes.
The ladies who graced the Kingfisher Calendar 2021 shared their experience of shooting for it.
Upcoming model Gehna Mahiarya is photographer Atul Kasbekar’s discovery and has been described as someone with ‘immense international potential’. For Gehna, shooting for the Kingfisher Calendar was an amazing experience. “I was so lucky to be a part of it. From the team to the photographer to the stylist, the hairstylist, the make-up artist, the production, and the assistants – everything was lovely and it was great working with them. I’m so happy to be a part of it,” she says.
Krithika Babu is a South Indian actress and model. She was crowned Pantaloons Femina Miss Perfect 10, and she was also Femina Miss India South first runner up 2009 and Femina Miss India 3rd runner up 2010. Krithika says that she is extremely grateful to be part of the most prestigious and iconic calendar. “The experience was surreal as I worked with the most amazing and professional team who made work feel so easy and fun!” she adds.
Anukreethy Vas is an Indian model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Femina Miss India 2018. “Shooting for the calendar was a dream come true. I have always wanted to be in one but now, I can’t really believe I’m actually in one of them. As for the shoot, I wouldn’t want to change a thing! My first bikini shoot turned out to be the most memorable one. I have great pictures to cherish forever, found good friends, and learnt a lot of things. I cannot be 
more grateful,” she says.
Adline Castelino is an Indian model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Diva Universe 2020. “Kingfisher is known as the king of good times and that is exactly what I experienced while shooting for the calendar. The people were incredible and the locations were awesome. At the end, we didn’t want to leave as we felt like a family,” she says.
Sumita Bhandari, a NIFT graduate and Miss India 2018 finalist says that she is extremely grateful to be one of the faces of the Kingfisher Calendar 2021. Talking about her experience of shooting the calendar, she says, “We shot in Kerala, which is such a beautiful state. It has beautiful beaches and great food. It did not even feel like we were working. I felt I am on holiday. I was shooting with the best from the industry and I made some great friends as well.”
TMM
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