The first time Bhushan Bagadia went under water was when he visited his sister in London. Stunned by his first brush with the deep waters, he returned the following year on holiday again only to go deep-sea diving. And this time he did not forget to take his camera along.
Years later, Bhushan has plumbed the depths of several seas and oceans and has captured some of the best shots underwater to spread the word on marine conservation, which he says is crucial to save the world and its species down under. In an interview with Nina C George, Bhushan shares his experiences of exploring the world underwater.
What got you interested in deep sea diving?
I have always been a water baby. Deep sea diving happened by chance, when I was visiting my sister in London and we were looking for interesting activities to engage in. The first time was enough for the diving bug to bite me hard. Since then all my holidays have somehow revolved around the scuba diving element.
Tell us about your latest expedition — ‘Infiniti Live-aboard’ dive trip?
I have been shooting underwater for about 5 years now. I have shot music videos, concept photos with people and of course, captured marine life. The last 1 year gave me the opportunity to shoot for various companies. And ‘Infiniti Live-aboard’ was one such assignment. It was definitely one of my best dive trips.
What is the most valuable experience that you got from the trip?
The ‘Infiniti Live-aboard’ dive trip was the best of them all. My most valuable experience on this trip was to see a dive operation run on par with international standards. The dive team was fun, hard working and very professional. I have been on many dive trips and dived with many operators around the world but what makes a good dive trip are the people you dive with and the way they run the operation. In this context, ‘Infiniti Live-aboard’ tops the list.
Your most unforgettable experience underwater...
The Andamans trip on the Infiniti exposed me to a completely new type of diving.
The topography in Domestic Barren Island and Narcondam Island is unique and different from anything that I have seen anywhere in the world. Apart from the Andamans trip, my most unforgettable experience underwater was the first time I saw a Manta Ray in the Maldives. It is my favourite creature underwater.
What are some of the things that you have captured underwater?
With regards to marine life, I have seen and shot different types of turtles and sharks like ‘Nurse sharks’, ‘Tiger sharks’, ‘Oceanic Black Tip sharks’, ‘Sea Crate snakes’, ‘Giant Barracudas’ and ‘Moray eels’, to mention a few. Apart from these, there are lots of different types of coral creatures, sea urchins and sea cucumbers.
Do you think your efforts towards conserving the world underwater will yield results?
I feel the effort to educate people will pay off at some level. The only way to start is to learn about the damage first hand and share it with my friends, family and people who follow my work.
The damage is quite large. I don’t know if what I am doing will pay off, but I do know that if everyone does their bit towards it, then it will slow the damage being done.
How do you see life under water at a philosophical level?
The world underwater is a different dimension to the world that we live in.
It has a harmony and rhythm to it. We can only visit that world as guests and for short periods because we are not meant to be there.
We can coexist only if we stay out of it.
What’s your next plan?
My next plan is to train in free diving in Egypt sometime later this year.
