From a petrol-pump attendant to photographing Ambani wedding, this Mangalurean has a story to tell

Harsha Raj Gatty
December 17, 2018

At 47, this photographer from Mangaluru was probably one of the rare invitee who was invited to cover one of the most talked about wedding of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal.

In a span of 15-days starting from December 1st, photographer Vivek Sequeira and his team of five photographers claim to have captured over 1.2 lakh photographs ranging from house-warming, pre-wedding ceremonies, array of entertainment by domestic and international celebrities gracing the occasion at the fairytale gala. “This by-far is one of the biggest weddings I have covered in my life and was no less than a dream,” says Sequeira.

On how he bagged the photography contract, the winner of ‘Best Wedding Photographer’ awarded by Better Photography in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014 , Vivek says it was through the acquaintance of a common friend of Ambani’s and Piramal’s.

“Initially I was not even told whose wedding it was. The person said cover this wedding and ‘Zingadi Ban Jayegi’ (You are set for life). I was told to block my dates between December 1st to December 15th, and send sample of my work in June 2018. Soon after, I was confirmed for the event but the client’s name was kept confidential,” he says.

It was not until October, Vivek first realized that he was going to cover Ambani-Piramal wedding. “I was ecstatic. It took me two days to digest the news. I also questioned 'why me?' as there are many celebrity photographers. I felt thrilled that they selected me based on my talent,” he says.

After signing several confidentiality agreements on photos and remuneration awarded, that does not allow him to share any of those details publicly, Vivek quickly raised the squad of his trusted aides to cover the event.

“Seventeen of us from the firm ‘Luxe Captures’ started by me and my partner Sandeep Katwe left to cover the event. While Sandeep, me and four others covered wedding photography at multiple venues in Mumbai and Udaipur, seven from our team managed videography and drone. The others assisted the team,” says Vivek.

Apart from Luxe Captures, there was another Indian photography team and celebrity photographers from UK, Italy and other countries hired to cover the wedding.

Vivek had to cover the Vastu Pooja and house warming ceremony of the Piramal’s on December 2nd and 3rd in Mumbai, the pre-wedding ceremonies in City Palace, Udaipur on December 8th and 9th. Later, the wedding on December 12th at Ambani’s residence ‘Antilia’ and receptions on December 13th hosted by Piramal family and on 14th by Ambani family at Jio Gardens in Mumbai.

Due to presence of Z plus security, there was limited access. “Sandeep and I were given special id cards as we were official photographers. This allowed us to access different venues, as well as to be in close proximity to the couple, family and the celebrities,” he says.

In a span of a fortnight, the ace photographer says that 30 TB hard-disks were filled with photos in no time. “We have one month deadline to submit the pictures and work has begun on full swing,” he says.

Asked about any of his special memory of the wedding, he says that that at one point he was standing right in between Amitabh Bachchan and Rajanikanth, both stars he has idolized. “I could not help but bend and touch their feet. They smiled and it was a warm feeling,” he adds.

Interestingly, Sequeira who had to drop out of graduation due to financial difficulties had started his career as a petrol pump attendant. “It was on my friend’s suggestion to take up photography, I withdrew the security deposit from my petrol pump manager and brought a Rs 7,000 worth camera. But to withdraw the deposit, I had to quit the job. It was a risk, but retrospectively am happy that I took it,” he says.

After starting his studio in 1997 in Mangaluru , Vivek became a noted wedding photographer , especially among the members of the Catholic community. He has covered weddings even abroad. “I have covered over 1,300 weddings and have at least travelled 15 plus countries for wedding photoshoots,” he says.

While his brother Vinay is managing his maiden venture ‘Vivek Studio’, Vivek decided to start ‘Luxe Captures’ in June this year, and explore the niche market of luxury weddings. “Stating Luxe Captures has proved lucky for me. The Ambani-Piramal wedding is the first contract the firm bagged,” he says.

When asked if he will be covering Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta’s wedding, he says he has not been contacted so far but would be glad to take it up if given a chance.

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News Network
November 21,2025

Bantwal: A domestic dispute appears to have led to a violent confrontation in BC Road area, where the owner of a textile shop was allegedly attacked with a knife by his wife on Wednesday evening.

Krishna Kumar Somayaji, the owner of Somayaji Textiles, sustained serious injuries in the incident and was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. He is currently receiving care in the intensive care unit and is reported to have survived the assault, according to police.

The Bantwal Town police have registered a case against Somayaji's wife, Jyothi KT, who has since been taken into custody.

Police stated that the complainant, Namita, an employee at the shop, reported the sequence of events. She stated that around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, the suspect entered the shop, wearing a burqa and disguised as a customer, before attacking Somayaji with a knife. The employee then transported the injured owner to a local hospital via an autorickshaw.

Superintendent of Police Arun K confirmed that an ongoing domestic dispute between Somayaji and his wife reportedly preceded the attack. Police noted that Jyothi KT had previously visited the shop and issued threats.

Based on the complaint, Bantwal Town police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Indian Arms Act-1959. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

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News Network
November 29,2025

DKSsiddu.jpg

New Delhi: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Saturday put up a dramatic display of unity at a closely watched joint press briefing, firmly dismissing weeks of speculation about a power-sharing tussle within the Congress. With the high command nudging both leaders to sit together and settle the dust, the meeting became a political spectacle, ending with the duo declaring that there was “no confusion, no differences.”

Calling the reports of a rift “manufactured confusion,” Siddaramaiah said the talks had gone smoothly, even joking about their breakfast. “Breakfast was very good. All three of us enjoyed it,” he said. “We want to end this confusion once and for all. For local elections and for 2028, our mission is clear — Congress must return to power. There is no difference between me and DKS, not now, not before.”

He blamed the media for fuelling rumours and reiterated absolute adherence to the party leadership. “From tomorrow, let there be no confusion. What the high command says, we will follow.”

Siddaramaiah also assured that the Assembly session starting December 8 would run smoothly and vowed that Congress would take on the BJP and JD(S) “together.”

Shivakumar echoed the chief minister word for word, stressing loyalty and discipline. “People have given us a massive mandate. It is our duty to deliver,” he said. “This government was formed under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. We both have complete trust in the high command. If they tell me to wait, I will wait.”

He added that the two leaders had discussed strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections. “Whatever the CM says, I agree. We are loyal soldiers of the party. The party may be facing challenges nationally, but we will keep it strong in Karnataka.”

Shivakumar also said Siddaramaiah would soon visit his home for lunch or dinner — another symbolic gesture meant to underline their unity.

Both leaders later posted on social media describing the breakfast meeting as “productive” and focused on “Karnataka’s priorities.”

The BJP, however, rejected the show of camaraderie as “pure bunkum,” accusing Congress of trying to paper over an internal power struggle. But Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar insisted their united front would continue — and that there was “no confusion” within the state leadership.

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News Network
November 24,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 24: The original departure time of 11.10 pm was a distant memory for scores of Dammam-bound passengers at Mangaluru International Airport last Friday night, as their Air India Express flight was abruptly cancelled at the eleventh hour, sparking hours of frustration and chaos.

The flight, IX 885, initially scheduled to depart at 11.10 pm on November 22, was subject to two back-to-back reschedules—first pushed to 11.45 pm and then significantly postponed to 1.40 am—before the final, crushing announcement of cancellation was made. For the travellers, many of whom are likely expatriate workers with tight schedules, the last-minute change marked the beginning of a distressing ordeal.

"There was no drinking water, no food, and absolutely no proper guidance. We were left stranded like refugees," complained a stranded passenger.

According to multiple passenger accounts, the airline's ground staff failed to provide adequate support or essential amenities following the cancellation. Complaints poured in about the total absence of drinking water, food provisions, and any reliable guidance from the carrier's representatives. Travellers alleged they were left stranded for a considerable period, with no immediate arrangements or clear communication offered regarding accommodation or alternative travel to send them back home.

The incident has highlighted serious concerns over the carrier's contingency planning and customer service protocols during flight disruptions at one of India's key international gateways. The airline is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the alleged lapse in passenger care.
 

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