He began with cheap Russian cameras, and once he had acquired some proficiency, moved on to assignments that would earn him money. He soon caught the attention of advertising agencies, which sought him out for product and industrial photography. Over the years he has built up a collection that boasts the big names of Indian music and dance. Musicians and Dancers brings together Arvind's pictures of Balamuralikrishna, Zakir Hussain, Anita Ratnam, Vyjayanthimala, Sivamani, Vikku Vinayakram, Nithyashree Mahadevan, Malavika, Urmila, Shobhana, Soumya, M S Gopalakrishnan, Sashank, Rajam Iyer, Revathi Menon, U Srinivas, T V Gopalakrishnan and Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. Arvind took these pictures, all black and white, using whatever light was available on stage.
Musicians are in top form during the manodharma passages.
Flashbulbs can ruin the moment. One must not disturb the artiste and the charmed audience with a harsh flash of light, or by making moving sounds in the silent auditorium. Arvind has a master's degree in commerce. He is doing an MBA course alongside working as a software professional. His Chennai show was inaugurated by the ghatam maestro Vikku Vinayakram, and will continue till 31 January.