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The Queen of Ranthambore!

It's time we look how painstakingly, wildlife photographer Anirudh Laxmipathy captures the last times of the Queen of Ranthambore — the author calls her a 'freak of nature' and his 'spirit animal'. It's time we visit his lens.

Arrowhead struggling to haul herself out of the waterbody (Shot in Oct 2023 by my friend Murtaza Johar) Anirudh Laxmipathy

The following trail is a story of courage, that was captured by the passion and devotion of one person and his love for the Big Cats, here specifically, 'The Arrowhead'. 

Arrowhead with her three cubs (June 2024)
Arrowhead with her three cubs (June 2024) Anirudh Laxmipathy

Hey! am called the Arrowhead! The Rani of Ranthambore. 

It is my domain, these are my cubs,

I am the legend of the lore,

The jungle grovels, if they find me in the shrubs.

A blazing Arrowhead — in all her glory - the first time I saw her - June 2022 |
A blazing Arrowhead — in all her glory - the first time I saw her - June 2022 | Anirudh Laxmipathy |

This is how I am folks,

The creation of beauty,

a centre of the paparazzi,

This is real, am not an AI hoax.

Glorious Arrowhead - her light shines blazingly forever (Shot June 202
Glorious Arrowhead - her light shines blazingly forever (Shot June 202 Anirudh Laxmipathy

If you don't know me.   

And you came to Ranthambore,

Without capturing me,

You are worthless.

Arrow resting on the banks of Padam Talao right opposite Jogi Mahal - my first glimpse of her on the evening of June 14th 2025 |
Arrow resting on the banks of Padam Talao right opposite Jogi Mahal - my first glimpse of her on the evening of June 14th 2025 | Anirudh Laxmipathy

Even this photographer, hasn't really seen me hunt.

I can see he's sneaky, only sees me perch.

But can they ever capture my stealth?

I am the spirit, do you even know my girth? 

Arrowhead - one of my final glimpses of her - June 17th 2022 |
Arrowhead - one of my final glimpses of her - June 17th 2022 | Anirudh Laxmipathy

Are you aware, how majestically, 

I roam these lands, they are a part of my paws,

but now, even with these thaws,

Don't you know, it's just being theatrically!

A weak Arrowhead with her cubs (shot in Oct 2023 by my friend Murtaza Johar) - you can notice the lump on her hind-leg |
A weak Arrowhead with her cubs (shot in Oct 2023 by my friend Murtaza Johar) - you can notice the lump on her hind-leg | Anirudh Laxmipathy

A family affair, and why not!

And it is not just these two cuties.

The richness of legend of mine- The Arrowhead,

Spreads way beyond these beauties.ARROWHEAD

-An extremely frail Arrowhead - few hours prior to her “LAST DANCE” |
-An extremely frail Arrowhead - few hours prior to her “LAST DANCE” | Anirudh Laxmipathy

To those who don't know,

I have cancer, and I am outwitted.

The spiracle of nature is,

Now, even my daughter is helping me.

A pensive ARROWHEAD - June 17 2025 - the last time I saw her on the banks of Padam Talao, Ranthambore |
A pensive ARROWHEAD - June 17 2025 - the last time I saw her on the banks of Padam Talao, Ranthambore | Anirudh Laxmipathy

I got a share of meat.

I am so grateful,

I am so happy, and it's unheard of.

My daughter, helps make me live.

 ARROWHEAD

The final time I saw her- could not bring myself to photograph her in such a frail state— put down my camera after taking few photographs |
The final time I saw her- could not bring myself to photograph her in such a frail state— put down my camera after taking few photographs | Anirudh Laxmipathy |

Hey! There, How! How!

Let's meet. I know you can't,

And I leave a void.

After all, I ruled this place.

-An extremely frail Arrowhead - few hours prior to her “LAST DANCE”
-An extremely frail Arrowhead - few hours prior to her “LAST DANCE” | Anirudh Laxmipathy |

My own story, is what can't fathom,

My own frailness, I couldn't take,

It's time I take a bow, 

But I know am the Queen ad-infinitum.

Arrowhead— evening of June 17th 2025 - resting on the banks of Padam Talao |
Arrowhead— evening of June 17th 2025 - resting on the banks of Padam Talao | Anirudh Laxmipathy |

Now it's time I say goodbye,

But you will find me here.

Please, don't give me that gaze!

I have my wonderful tribe,

and that's how you know I thrive!

(Captions by Srijan Narayan)

Published At:
US