Q: Why did you choose to drop the gun and take up the camera?

A: It's a powerful tool of preservation. I laid down my favourite .458 bore Winchester Magnum rifle for the camera. I am ageing and since I am still obsessed with wildlife, I thought I could achieve more with my camera.

Q: How does it feel to shoot an elephant?

A: The sight of an elephant falling is very sad and tragic. I still cannot forget the eyes of the elephants when they fall dead.

Q: What inspired you to take up rogue hunting?

A: I was born and brought up among elephants. Our family estate had many domesticated elephants. I used to play with them in my childhood. My mentor, elephant trapper Late Haji Mohammed Sheikh inspired me and infused this love of adventure in me.

Q: What about hunting?

A: Our family sport was hunting. As a child, I would go on hunting expeditions. I learnt everything about guns and elephants from my mentor.

Q: Assam was known for its dense forests. But sadly, deforestation and poaching are destroying the green cover. How do you react?

A: It is unfortunate we have not been able to preserve what nature bestowed on us. Forests should be left clear of development activities.

Q: How can we strike a balance between development and conservation?

A: We need development but it should not clash with the need for forestry. If we destroy the natural cycle we will have to pay a heavy price.

Q: Did your parents accept you as a professional hunter?

A: My parents wanted me to be an engineer. But in my heart I wanted to be a hunter and a wildlife enthusiast.

Q: Tell us about your encounters with rogue elephants?

A: In 1983, I was recognized as a rogue elephant hunter. Out of 60 reported sightings of rogue elephants, I shot only six. I shot them only when I felt they would endanger human lives. The rest 54 were chased away or brought under control.

Q: Recent poaching and killing incidents have brought to the fore the importance of wildlife conservation...

A: Actually it is the collective responsibility of the people. They have to act as guardians of forests. There is too much of encroachment on forest areas. This has to stop.

Q: How can the new generation help?

A: I am very optimistic that they will take the lead role but before that they have to be made aware. And this awareness should begin at home and in the classroom in their formative years.