Whether he is shooting perfect pouts or perfect products, Ashok Salian's lens has developed a discerning eye almost of its own. Which is why even though he has shot India's most beautiful faces, for the last 15 years, he is not a happy photographer today. "There is a dearth of spectacular new faces. Sheetal Malhar is probably the best of the bunch at the moment and is looking better and better."But for Ashok this drought, this gap in new faces in the industry, is a normal phenomenon. "Every so often there is a gap in the industry for three to four years and then a new face comes along." And while there are several PYTs around, there is no one Ashok would want to spend reams of film shooting. "They (the new models) lack class. That sculpted look has gone. No one stands apart. There is no Shyamolie Verma. Now she had an intelligent face and did not look like just another bimbette. She has a perfect oval skull and high cheekbones. The closest to her today is Madhu Sapre."Ashok seems to prefer the classicfaces of yesteryears to today's new models. Bollywood's long-reigning glamour queen Rekha has often said that Ashok is her favourite photographer - a compliment he reciprocates. "She is one women who still looks wonderful. And she is such a professional. Rekha is always on time and is devoted to her work. No one does their make-up and hair as quick as her." The other actress who really mesmerises him is Dimple Kapadia. "I first shot her for the designers Abu-Sandeep. And her face just wrapped me. She is my all-time favourite and at the moment she is looking her most wonderful."Sujata Assomull
