Mahesh Shantaram (1977-) was born in Bangalore, India, where he currently lives. He grew up in Kuwait, graduated in computer electronics in Bangalore, worked in Mumbai and Washington DC, and studied photography in Paris before embarking on a career in photography in 2006. Using a personal and subjective approach in his documentary photography practice, Shantaram's work provides insight into contemporary Indian society and culture. His first book 'Matrimania' was published by Hatje Cantz (Berlin) in 2018. His second and upcoming book to be published by the Alkazi Foundation for the Arts (New Delhi) in 2019 deals with the subject of racism in India seen through the Indo-African relationship. Shantaram has been a member photographer of the Paris-based Agence VU since 2017.