Early Life
Damodar Kamat born to Vishnupant Venkatesh Kamat & Kamlabai Kamat was named after Lord Krishna - the Hindu Deity. Kamat came from a family of Pujaris & Bhikshuk (People who knew the scriptures & made living out of this knowledge) He got his early education in Belgaum, India. The young Damaodar Kamat was fascinated by colours and paints and had an interest in learning new languages.
Damodar Kamat’s father Mr.Vishnupant KamatMuseum of Art & Photography
Damodar Kamat’s father Mr. Vishnupant Kamat
Portrait of Damodar KamatMuseum of Art & Photography
At the young age of 17 Damodar Kamat set off to Kohlapur in search of better prospects to pursue his artistic dreams.
He started by taking up odd jobs painting sign boards, his skills soon established himself as a sign board painter. But he felt there's something amiss in the art. Around the same time he learned about Kaka Samant - a renowned still Photographer in Kolhapur, and began working as his assistant.
Damodar Kamat with the team who built his Belgaum home.Museum of Art & Photography
Photograph of Bombay Talkies Film StudioMuseum of Art & Photography
Damodar Kamar soon realised his passion was photography. He took up every opportunity that came his way which finally landed him a job at Bombay Talkies in Mumbai.
This was where his career as a still photographer began. He worked passionately trying to perfect his craft. He would work through the day and process the negatives in the night in his tenement which he had converted in to a dark room. His dedication and creativity appealed, soon people began to call him for photo assignments.
Personal Life
Meanwhile his personal life too had a new meaning with his marriage in 1943-44 to Mohini Naik-Gavankar, whom he later renamed Radha. He was fortunate enough to have Radha as his wife as she stood thick & thin with him. Along with looking after his home, Radha also became her husband’s assistant in washing and developing photographs.
A candid moment captured between Damodat Kamat and his wifeMuseum of Art & Photography
Damodar Kamat and wife Radha captured in a candid moment during their son's thread ceremony.
Family PortraitMuseum of Art & Photography
A family portrait of the Kamat's
Photographic still by Damodar Kamat of his wifeMuseum of Art & Photography
A photograph of wife Radha by Damodar Kamat.
Damodar Kamat photographed in Mumbai home with wife and mother.Museum of Art & Photography
Memorable Images
Photographic still of actor Guru Dutt, from the Hindi film PyaasaMuseum of Art & Photography
Photographic still from the Hindi film Phool Aur PhattarMuseum of Art & Photography