From Ajmer’s Streets To Silver Screen: A Cinematographer Finds His Frame

“I just hope to make it big—not just for myself, but for everyone who stood with me.” Born in the streets of Ajmer and once known as Pagli ka Ladka, Mohammad Ibrahim grew up amidst poverty, stigma and his mother’s long struggle with mental illness. With the unwavering support of his nani and “The Banyan family,” he went from carrying wedding lights and roaming bazaars to winning the World Topper in Cambridge International for Art & Design—and now works as an assistant cinematographer in the Indian film industry.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 15 August 2025 4:16 pm

Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - My sketchbook with a little history

My sketchbook with a little history | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - First photo exhibition

First photo exhibition | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - His House

Mohammad Ibrahim's Home | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - Just before leaving Ajmer for Chennai

Just before leaving Ajmer for Chennai | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - government school in Lungiya Mohalla

My government school in Lungiya Mohalla | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - Initial days at The Banyan, Kovalam

Initial days at The Banyan, Kovalam | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - The Banyan family

The Banyan family | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - The kiddies and Vandana aunty

The kiddies and Vandana aunty | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - During class assignment in first year

During class assignment in first year | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - PG Room

Mohammad Ibrahim's PG room | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer’s Journey of Resilience - At convocation

At convocation | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer - First time sat on a ARRI Alexa camera

First time on ARRI Alexa camera | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

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Mohammad Ibrahim - Cinematographer -Documentating Bangalore during college days

Documentating Bangalore in college days. | Photo courtesy: Mohammad Ibrahim

In its August 21 issue, Every Day I Pray For Love, Outlook collaborated with The Banyan India to take a hard look at the community and care provided to those with mental health disorders in India. From the inmates in mental health facilities across India—Ranchi to Lucknow—to the mental health impact of conflict journalism, to the chronic stress caused by the caste system, our reporters and columnists shed light on and questioned the stigma weighing down the vulnerable communities where mental health disorders are prevalent.