Developed in collaboration with Rupa Publications, this book brings together twenty-five notable political conversations from the fourteen-year history of NDTV’s Walk the Talk, hosted by journalist Shekhar Gupta.
Selected from more than 600 interviews, the volume features political leaders, heads of state and influential public figures whose ideas and decisions marked critical shifts in recent history. The personalities include Sonia Gandhi, P. V. Narasimha Rao, Narendra Modi, L. K. Advani, Pranab Mukherjee, Mayawati, M. Karunanidhi, David Cameron, Henry Kissinger and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, alongside the rare interview with former RSS chief K. S. Sudarshan.
As the book’s illustration artist, I created an original pen-and-ink portrait for each featured interview. The challenge was to capture the personality, presence and political character of every subject while maintaining a consistent visual language across the volume.
Rather than functioning as decorative portraits, the illustrations act as visual introductions to the conversations. The monochromatic pen-and-ink treatment reflects the seriousness of the subject while giving each interview a distinct human presence. Together, the twenty-five illustrations form a visual record of the people who shaped—and continue to shape—India’s political narrative.
Selected from more than 600 interviews, the volume features political leaders, heads of state and influential public figures whose ideas and decisions marked critical shifts in recent history. The personalities include Sonia Gandhi, P. V. Narasimha Rao, Narendra Modi, L. K. Advani, Pranab Mukherjee, Mayawati, M. Karunanidhi, David Cameron, Henry Kissinger and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, alongside the rare interview with former RSS chief K. S. Sudarshan.
As the book’s illustration artist, I created an original pen-and-ink portrait for each featured interview. The challenge was to capture the personality, presence and political character of every subject while maintaining a consistent visual language across the volume.
Rather than functioning as decorative portraits, the illustrations act as visual introductions to the conversations. The monochromatic pen-and-ink treatment reflects the seriousness of the subject while giving each interview a distinct human presence. Together, the twenty-five illustrations form a visual record of the people who shaped—and continue to shape—India’s political narrative.
Publication: NDTV’s Walk the Talk
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Host and Interviewer: Shekhar Gupta
Project Category: Editorial Illustration and Book Design
My Role: Illustration Artist
Medium: Pen and Ink
Deliverables: 25 Original Portrait Illustrations, One for Each Featured Interview
Over fourteen years, NDTV’s Walk The Talk with Shekhar Gupta has featured over 600 diverse guests, from heads of state and politicians to film stars, Nobel Laureates, scientists, business tycoons, and activists. This book focuses on political leaders and public figures, showcasing rare and groundbreaking conversations.
Notable interviews include Sonia Gandhi and P.V. Narasimha Rao, who rarely spoke at length on record, as well as Narendra Modi, L.K. Advani, Pranab Mukherjee, Mayawati, and M. Karunanidhi. Global leaders like David Cameron, Henry Kissinger, and Prachanda also feature, along with a rare discussion with former RSS chief K.S. Sudarshan.
Selecting just twenty-five voices was a challenge, but each conversation reflects key political shifts and historical moments, offering insight into how we arrived at the present political landscape.
Illustrated by : Sourav Mukherjee