Patna Floods: NIFT student becomes 'Mermaid in Disaster', video viral

Patna received heavy downpour over the weekend which threw normal life out of gear in several parts. The state capital continued to be among the worst affected, some of its parts submerged in water levels rising up to the chest and its residents being rescued with the help of municipal cranes normally used for moving earth. Amidst the rains, photographer Saurav Anuraj took to the flooded streets of Bihar's capital Patna, alongwith NIFT student Aditi Singh and did a photoshoot. The pictures show submerged cars, flooded roads. The photographer clarified that the pictures were clicked to highlight the terrible situation in the city. Watch the video and pictures taken here -

Patna Floods: Boats on roads, water enters shops as Ganga overflows

Lyricist Raj Shekhar along with Netizens praised the photographer for his innovative concept. But there were a few who trolled Saurav for his insensitivity towards the disaster. So, in a Facebook post, Saurav explained his intention behind this shoot. He said: "Kyuki ye situation he aisa hai, waise jinko bhi confusion tha jo kuch kuch baat bol rhe the ye msg unke kiye hai ki ye shoot hmne isliee kiya tha ki msg india tak jaye bs sad stories dalne se log attract nhi hote bihar me kuch bhi ho bahar ke logo ko farak nhi padta islie ye photoshoot tha aur ye dekh ke bahar ke bahut sare log help ke liye mujhe msg kr rhe hai."

Why was the model smiling? Many Netizens questioned. To this, Saurav wrote: "Aur isme smile ka reason bhi yehi hai ki hmlogo ko ek sath milke isko face krna hai aur unka help jisko zarurat hai kyuki hm photographers ke liye aap sabhi smile sabse jyada important hota hai. I hope kuch nasamjh log iss msg ko smajhe aur ye bhi ki ye shoot kitna tough tha kis model ko man karta h nala ke pani me jake shoot krne ka aur kis photographer ko ki unka camera bheege.""

READ | Patna floods: Rains and thunderstorm likely to continue this week 

Translation: Because this situation is like that, those who were confused and had concerns over this shoot, here's a message for them — I did this shoot in India to spread a message. Whatever happens in Bihar, no one cares and that is why I shot this. And just after this photoshoot, so many people from outside are messaging me to offer help. And the reason for smile is that we have to face this together and help those in need with a smile, and smile is the most important for us. Shooting this was tough! Which model have you seen walking in dirty drain water? Which photographer shoots with a risk of his camera getting wet? 

READ | Uttar Pradesh: 44 killed, IMD issues heavy rainfall warning in state

READ | Pune Floods: CM Fadnavis says, "Govt providing all assistance needed"

(With PTI inputs)