Chiiz Volume 1 : Pushkar Photography

THE SOLITARY REAPER:
LUZINA KHAN
Sheetal Mann
sheetal@chiiz.com
Luzina Khan
is living an
ideal life of a
solo traveller
and also her
photographs
tell the tales of
her journeys.
Originally
from Raipur
in Chattisgarh
and even
staying in
Kashmir for
days on her
own, she has
it all worked
out.
A silent tigress working up her way against
the societal norms. One hell of an interior
designer for your beautiful homes and
thoughts, she is quite an introvert and
serenity drips from her face.
Sheetal: Tell
us something
a b o u t
yourself?
Luzina: I was a product designer first, because of which
I had to travel a lot to remote areas mainly because of
the handicrafts. And when I used to upload my photos
from the trip on social media, people really liked them
and it encouraged me to travel and click more. That’s
how my love for travelling and photography took form.
Now, I travel to many places, whenever I feel like.
Sheetal: Why solo? Was there any special reason for
it?
Luzina: The constant backing out of my friends from
travel plans turned me into a solo traveller. Also, when
I am travelling, I prefer home stays, and home meals,
rather than hotels and you can only get that when you
are travelling alone.
Sheetal: India is not really a favourable country for a
female solo traveller. What do you think about it?
Luzina: I don’t really agree with it. Wherever I have
been to, people were very nice to me and it all depends
on how you adapt to the surroundings. Obviously, you
can’t be wearing shorts or western dresses if you’re
staying in or travelling through a local village. So, it all
comes down to how well you can adapt to a place.
Sheetal: Have you ever faced any challenges while
travelling? Anything that turned out to be lesson for
life?
Luzina: No, none at all. And it is true. I have actually
never faced anything like that and I hope nothing ever
comes my way. I inspire everyone to travel wherever
I go. It is the most beautiful thing. Moreover, girls
should travel more and at every chance they get. I
think travelling solo gives them a brilliant opportunity
to introspect and a better understanding of things.
Sheetal: How was your first solo trip?
Luzina: It was in college when we had to choose
projects and I always took unrelated projects so that
I could travel alone. Also I find solace when I travel
alone.
Sheetal: Any other memorable thing related to your
trips?
Luzina: Well, interestingly, I went to Kashmir 6 or 7
times last year. And believe me, it’s totally different
from what is shown in the media these days. Kashmiri
people are nicest of all people I have ever met. They
welcome you with open arms and made me feel very
safe during my time over there. There have been times
when I stayed for months in a stretch.
Sheetal: Since you have travelled almost whole of
India, what is your favourite place?
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