Top cardiac surgeon Dr Ramakanta Panda’s awe-inspiring wildlife clicks exhibited at Jehangir Art Gallery

Dr Ramakanta Panda, a renowned cardiac surgeon and Chairman of the Asian Heart Institute, is also a passionate wildlife photographer whose clicks are captivating art enthusiasts and conservationists alike as part of an ongoing photography exhibition at the Jehangir Art Gallery till November 27.

The white-bellied sea eagle, showcased in this picture, was photographed in Bhitarkanika National Park, located in Odisha. Celebrated as one of the nation's finest mangrove forests, the park lies along the Odisha coast, providing an invaluable habitat for various species (Credit: Dr Ramakanta Panda)

The exhibition titled ‘Heartbeats' feature a compelling collection of 100 mesmerising photographs, all centered around the theme of wildlife conservation. These have been shot in various locales in India and abroad such as Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Masai Mara, DPS Lake Navi Mumbai, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park, Kanha National Park and Tiger Reserve, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Satpura Tiger Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Mangalajodi in Chilika etc (Credit: Dr Ramakanta Panda)

The exhibition takes visitors on an evocative journey through the natural world, shedding light on the urgent need for wildlife conservation. With this in mind, Dr Panda has set up the Asian Wildlife Trust, an initiative of Asian Heart Institute. "The purpose behind the Asian Wildlife Trust, a non-profit organization, is to offer a platform that may serve to unite individuals who wish to contribute to wildlife conservation," said Dr Panda in a statement (Credit: Dr Ramakanta Panda)

The lions of Masai Mara are special. Additionally, a substantial portion of the knowledge regarding lion behavior and social structures has been gleaned from research conducted within this Kenyan ecosystem (Credit: Dr Ramakanta Panda)

There is a thumb rule in wildlife photography. The days are safe, but the nights are another story altogether. A leopard is caught in the act of drinking from a waterhole in Kenya. He shot it from the 'HIDE' room, a unique setup that places photographers in underground bunkers at water level, affording silent and intimate shots of animals as they approach the water source. Thankfully, the animals can't see you! (Credit: Dr Ramakanta Panda)

"Any Mumbaikar who claims they don't have enough time for a hobby is in for a treat. Take the Mumbai-Goa highway, and you’ll find the Karnala Bird Sanctuary about 12 kilometres from Panvel. With 222 bird species, I have spent many a morning here- taking my time to catch a glimpse of exotic birds like the paradise flycatcher," the doctor said.(Credit: Dr Ramakanta Panda)

Giraffe: When he clicked this picture in Africa, Dr Panda realised how difficult it is for the giraffe to bend and drink water. Even in the peak of summer. (Credit: Dr Ramakanta Panda)

This spotted owlet photograph originates from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. While the reserve is renowned for its tiger population, it also offers a haven for avian enthusiasts. Bird photographers should seize the opportunity to capture the diverse array of bird species that call this reserve home (Credit: Dr Ramakanta Panda)

Shot in Africa, this is an extremely rare picture of a playful tiger with paws up. Front up shots of tigers are extremely popular. However, such a picture, shot at an extremely low angle is extremely rare. "That's why I have chosen this as the cover of my coffee table book," said Dr Panda (Credit: Dr Ramakanta Panda)