a compelling celebration of nature, art, and wildlife conservation, acclaimed actor R. Madhavan and Hollywood producer Jay Patel recently came together for an exclusive book signing event in Mumbai.
The event marked the launch of The Viewfinder – Your Bridge to Nature, a visually breathtaking coffee table book by renowned wildlife photographer Sanket Reddy. This intimate gathering not only honored the stunning beauty of wildlife but also highlighted the urgent need to protect and preserve the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
Sixteen Years of Documenting Nature’s Raw Beauty Through Photography The Viewfinder is more than just a collection of awe-inspiring images; it represents 16 years of dedication from photographer Sanket Reddy, who has tirelessly documented the untamed magnificence of nature. His lens has captured rare moments from the wild, including tigers stealthily navigating dense jungles and birds frozen mid-flight. The photographs offer a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the world of wildlife, celebrating its raw beauty while underscoring the urgent need for its protection.
Reddy’s commitment to conservation goes beyond photography—each image is a silent plea for the survival of endangered species and fragile ecosystems. In support of this initiative, R. Madhavan, a passionate advocate for environmental issues, penned a heartfelt foreword for the book. He reflected on his own deep connection to nature and the collective responsibility humans bear in safeguarding it for future generations. “Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about storytelling, creating awareness, and inspiring change. Sanket Reddy’s work does exactly that, and I’m honored to be part of this journey,” Madhavan shared at the event, further amplifying the powerful message behind Reddy’s work.
Film and Conservation: Jay Patel’s Ongoing Commitment to Protecting Wildlife Jay Patel, the Hollywood producer behind impactful films such as Swatantrya Veer Savarkar—recently shortlisted for the Oscars—and I’m Gonna Tell God Everything, has long been a supporter of causes that drive social change. Known for his use of cinema to raise awareness about humanitarian issues, Patel sees storytelling as a tool to ignite meaningful dialogue and action. His dedication to conservation was evident at the book signing event, where he emphasized the importance of visual storytelling in sparking conversations around environmental protection.
“Visual storytelling has the power to ignite conversations that lead to action. Sanket’s work is a bridge between humans and the wild, reminding us why conservation matters,” Patel remarked, further cementing the book as a powerful call to action for wildlife preservation. With both Patel and Madhavan lending their voices to the cause, The Viewfinder serves as a compelling intersection of art, cinema, and conservation. It’s a testament to the transformative power of visual media to raise awareness and drive change. An Exclusive Evening of Art and Advocacy at Mumbai’s Bastian Following the book signing, the celebration continued with an intimate dinner hosted by Madhavan and Patel at Bastian, one of Mumbai’s most exclusive restaurants.
The evening was made even more special with the presence of Raj Kundra, who warmly welcomed the guests. Sanket Reddy’s wife, Deeptha Viswanath, and close friend Nihar Mehta, who has been a constant support throughout Reddy’s 16-year journey, were also in attendance, adding to the intimate atmosphere of the event. Uniting Art, Cinema, and Environmentalism for a Global Cause The collaboration between R. Madhavan and Jay Patel in support of The Viewfinder exemplifies a larger movement where film, photography, and literature come together to raise awareness about critical global issues.
The joint efforts of these two influential figures send a powerful message: Protecting wildlife isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a necessity. As the conversation around environmental awareness intensifies, initiatives like this continue to inspire future generations to engage with and protect the natural world. By blending their expertise in cinema, storytelling, and conservation, Madhavan and Patel stand as passionate advocates for a cause that can no longer be ignored—ensuring a future where the beauty of nature is preserved, not just in pictures, but in reality.
