Most people would shy away from the prospect of spending harsh winters in the higher altitudes. However, Naresh Bedi and Rajesh Bedi, celebrated wildlife filmmakers known as the Bedi Brothers, dedicated three consecutive winters to the high reaches of Ladakh. They braved formidable terrain, intense cold, and sustained a monotonous diet of canned food just to capture the elusive snow leopard in its natural environment.
“We had local trackers stationed in various valleys to inform us whenever snow leopards were spotted,” Naresh Bedi explained in an interview with The Hindu on Friday. “One evening, as the sun was setting behind the mountains, a snow leopard walked barely six feet away from my hide,” Naresh recalled. “He would pull a yak and gaze at the camera lens. But by then, it was too dark to capture any more footage.” This relentless dedication to their craft was recently recognized, as the duo was honored with the 16th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK)’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Spanning over five decades, the Bedi Brothers have introduced the world to extensive footage of various wildlife species in their natural habitats. From the snow leopard to the red panda, the gharial, the Indian wild dog, the Himalayan lynx, and bar-headed geese, their work has established them as trailblazers in Indian wildlife filmmaking.
Their passion for wildlife and natural history was kindled during their childhood in Haridwar by their father, an Ayurvedic practitioner. “Our father was keen on exploring the forests and often took us along,” Naresh reminisced. “He gifted us a Rolleicord camera and encouraged us to take pictures for his writings. When he took photographs, he would get as close as possible to the subject,” he added.
Rajesh’s foray into professional wildlife photography began with capturing the various moods and expressions of one of the least elusive animals—the cow. Life-size images of his works were showcased at numerous popular exhibitions.
. However, his breakthrough came with a series of images on snake worship that were published in the prestigious National Geographic magazine.
Meanwhile, Naresh graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India, and soon thereafter, the brothers united to embark on their maiden venture, “The Ganges Gharial.” This documentary, shot with a hand-cranked camera, revealed behavioral traits of the gharial that were previously unknown. “Until then, it was assumed that their behavior was similar to other crocodiles,” Naresh stated.
In the late 1980s, the brothers produced another seminal work, “Whistling Hunters.” Shot in Kerala’s Periyar reserve, this documentary captured the Indian wild dogs, or dholes, in their natural surroundings. Narrated by the renowned David Attenborough, the film was released as a BBC documentary, earning international acclaim.
Throughout their decades-long career, the Bedi Brothers have witnessed the profound effects of climate change and global warming on wildlife. “In the mountains, the rising temperatures are compelling the ibex, blue sheep, and other animals to ascend to higher altitudes, causing the snow leopards to move even higher,” Rajesh explained. “Moreover, in many regions, grasslands where elephants once congregated for months have transformed into near-deserts,” he added.
The brothers assert that wildlife films and books play a critical role in promoting conservation awareness. “Without spreading the message of conservation, you are not doing justice to your profession,” Rajesh emphasized.
The Bedi Brothers’ contributions to wildlife filmmaking have not only enriched the genre but have also reinforced the importance of conservation. Their pioneering efforts have shed light on the lives of some of the most elusive and endangered species, advocating for the protection and preservation of wildlife habitats.
Their tireless dedication and passion for wildlife continue to inspire aspiring filmmakers and conservationists alike. As they receive accolades for their lifetime of work, the Bedi Brothers remain committed to their mission: to capture the beauty and vitality of nature, ensuring that future generations understand the critical importance of preserving our world’s biodiversity.
