The Photobook

Tasveer : "We wanted to look at the book as a form of community engagement."

The Photobook

Show Notes

In this episode, The Photobook Podcast features Tasveer, a Lahore-based publishing initiative that seeks to expand bookmaking practices beyond normative structures and identities. Launched in 2023 by photographer Nad E Ali and Zeerak Sohail, Tasveer explores photographic materiality through photo zines with the aim to create a community of bookmakers, readers and publishers that challenge the existing sociopolitical discourses. Join us as we discover what it takes to create a micro-publishing initiative in the volatile political climate of South Asia today. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To know more about our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram at @thephotobookpodcast or write to us at [email protected]

You can find Priyanka Chharia at @madamphotographer and Tasveer at @tasveeranthology on Instagram

⁠⁠⁠The Photobook Podcast is generously supported by PhotoSouthAsia at @photosouthasia. To view more of their work, log onto www.photosouthasia.org⁠⁠ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More from The Photobook

Oct 11, 2026

In this episode, The Photobook features features Sudeshna Rana, an independent writer, researcher and poet working across print and digital media. A multi-time South Asia Speaks fellow and winner of the TAKE on Art Writer’sAward, she is the co-founder of Poorvanchal aur Palayan and a co-recipient of the 10×10 Research Grants. Join us as we explore the joy of words and the unique perspectives of a writer navigating contemporary photobook and publishing practices across South Asia. -------------------------------------------------------------- To know more about our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram at @thephotobookpodcast or write to us at [email protected]

Sep 25, 2026

In this episode, The Photobook features Bhavani Balasubramanyam and Deepesh Sangtani, the creative minds behind Kutty Press. With backgrounds in architecture and design, the co-founding duo use their independent publishing platform to create intimate, tactile zines that preserve local histories and celebrate community. Join us as we explore the enduring power of zine culture in an increasingly digital world. -------------------------------------------------------------- To know more about our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram at @thephotobookpodcast or write to us at [email protected]

Sep 11, 2026

In this episode, The Photobook features Joyona Medhi and Abhishek Basu, recipients of the Alkazi Photobook Grant andco-authors of Sparseeing. Their debut photobook breathes new life into the forgotten photographic archives of Keki Gazder and his family, who were among the last of Jamshedpur’s once-prosperous Parsi community. Join us as we turn back the clock to witness the quiet brilliance of an artist at work and the awakening of a city. -------------------------------------------------------------- To know more about our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram at @thephotobookpodcast or write to us at [email protected]

Jul 19, 2026

In this episode, The Photobook features Laila Nahar, a photographer and book artist whose life and art bridges two distinct worlds. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Laila moved to the U.S. in her late twenties to study engineering. After a successful twenty-four-year career in the tech industry, she stepped away in 2021 to pursue her lifelong passion for the book arts. Since then, she’s trained under industry legends like Eugene Richards, Elizabeth Avedon and Amy Arbus. Join us as we explore her inspiring book works, including The Crescent Moon and Unfolding Color of Life. -------------------------------------------------------------- To know more about our latest episodes, follow us on Instagram at @thephotobookpodcast or write to us at [email protected]

May 31, 2026

In this episode, The Photobook Podcast features Mumbai-based photographer, writer and self-publisher Raj Lalwani. A former Deputy Editor at Better Photography, Raj's work has been exhibited across India, including at the Delhi Photo Festival, the GoaInternational Photo Festival and the Indian Photography Festival in Hyderabad.​ In 2018, ​he was selected as one of the 20 best emerging photographers in the world​ doc! photo magazine and Blow Up Press. In 2025, he self-published his first photobook called Daydream Delusion, which captures the everyday anxieties of living in a modern metropolis. Join us as we do a deep dive into Raj's practice as a photographer, writer and bookmaker.

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