Dawson’s ongoing photo exhibition at the Renaissance Gallerie is the culmination of his feelings and emotions for the bar. “I first went to the bar almost 10 years ago when I was still in college,” says the nostalgic photographer.  At the moment, 16 of the 19 black and white pictures adorn the walls of the gallery. “I began taking pictures when I got to know that the bar was finally closing shop. Some of the pictures were taken almost two years ago,” reveals Dawson.

Initially Dawson’s photography of the bar had a personal agenda. “These pictures were meant only for me,” he emphasises. But the urge to share it with fellow fans of Dewar was too strong, and the idea of exhibiting ‘Dewar’s — a eulogy’ was conceived.

“The images are progressive in nature — from a ‘pulled back’ shot of the pillars to the close-up of chairs and windows,” says Dawson.

Talking about the experiences that he and his friends had in the bar, he says, “The place had a potpourri of people. The rates were divided into two — bar counter rate and table rate. Table rate was obviously cheaper.”

He also says, “We used to have so much of fun just watching all these people. It has to be experienced.” Narendra Jain, another Dewar loyalist shares theA same feeling. He says, “It is probably the kind of place that every teenager dreams of owning. It didn’t feel like a bar. Probably the only place you’d see autodrivers and women (wearing skirts) drinking in the same vicinity. Not to forget ‘Bhaskar’ (the waiter), who knew everyone’s orders by heart. It was an amazing place.”

Dawson’s exhibition will be on till March 25 at Renaissance Gallerie, Cunningham Road.

source: http://www.expressbuzz.com / Zoya Philip / Express News Service / Mar 23rd, 2011