The United Arab Emirates mourns the passing of Ramesh Shukla, the renowned royal photographer whose iconic images chronicled the nation’s remarkable journey from its formative years to global prominence. Shukla, who passed away on February 14, 2026, left behind a visual legacy that has become embedded in the nation’s collective memory, with his work appearing on postage stamps, currency notes, and in prestigious collections throughout the country.
In an emotional tribute, Tarulatta Shukla, his wife of 61 years, shared intimate details of their life together, revealing the extraordinary dedication behind his celebrated career. “Everybody knew him by name—my Ramesh,” she stated, emphasizing how her husband was not just a photographer to the royals but a beloved figure who belonged to the people he documented.
The couple’s journey began with profound challenges when they arrived in the UAE in 1970. With limited resources and no proper equipment, they demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by converting their living space into a makeshift darkroom. “We used plates (thalis) that we ate in to develop pictures since no other equipment was available,” Tarulatta recalled during an interview with Khaleej Times.
Without a stopwatch or proper darkroom facilities, Shukla taught his wife the intricate art of photography development. “He almost made me a professional developer,” she noted, explaining how they would cover their single room with curtains and carefully calculate development times based on sunlight conditions and weather patterns.
Shukla’s access to the highest levels of UAE leadership was earned through decades of trust and dedication rather than formal status. His wife recounted how he frequently traveled with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and how “even very famous people knew him by his first name,” eliminating the need for special permissions.
The octogenarian photographer remained active until his final days, driven by his passion for capturing the essence of Emirati life. His work now enjoys permanent exhibition at the Etihad Museum, representing the pinnacle of his artistic journey.
Tarulatta also expressed admiration for Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s photography, noting that true photography demands “the struggle behind the lens and the immense patience it demands”—qualities she witnessed firsthand throughout her six decades alongside her husband.