Framing VS: When two journalists got away with a hearty scoop

I was on an official visit to the national capital in 1999 when I caught up with Manorama's then Delhi photographer, Jayachandran. We had been friends since his time in Thiruvananthapuram. Malayala Manorama's office was adjacent to Kaumudi's in Delhi's INS Building.

While visiting me in his office, Jayachandran put up a difficult request. He wanted me to help him take some good shots of VS Achuthanandan, who was also in Delhi, along with Pinarayi Vijayan, to attend the CPM politburo meeting.

Achuthanandan had yet to become the darling of the media. He was a harsh critic of Manorama, and only a handful of journalists had access to him. I knew I was courting trouble by taking Jayachandran to Achuthanandan. I tried to convince my friend, but he would have none of it. He 'knew' that Achuthanandan would oblige me.

I accompanied Jayachandran to Kerala House. Achuthanandan was resting after lunch. I chatted with him and told him about the purpose of our visit. Achuthanandan showed his true colours. He started lashing out at Manorama. I told him that Jayachandran was a comrade, though he worked in Manorama.

After some time, Achuthanandan cooled off. He sat up in the reclining chair, clad in a T-shirt and lungi. It took some time to nudge him to change into a white mundu and kurta. But he would not loosen up despite Jayachandran's repeated attempts to squeeze out a smile.

I drew him into a conversation, telling him random things. Achuthanandan had a hearty laugh, and Jayachandran did not let it pass. He might have exposed seven or eight rolls of film in about 15 minutes. Achuthanandan was a happy man when he bade us farewell.

Those pictures travelled far and wide. You could say that they went viral. They appeared in several newspapers and magazines and even in party posters. I don't remember seeing such a photo of the leader till then.
(The writer is the former associate editor of Kalakaumudi)