It is a privilege to witness the underwater world: Sumer Verma

The ocean first cast its spell on Sumer Verma when he was 21. What began as a single dive near Lakshadweep evolved into a lifelong relationship with the sea, one that has taken him across coral reefs, volcanic islands and some of the world’s most celebrated dive sites. Nearly three decades later, Verma has logged over 8,000 dives, built a career as one of India’s leading underwater cinematographers, and become a passionate advocate for marine conservation. From filming blockbuster movies such as Gehraiyaan, RRR, Devara and Baby John to rescuing stranded marine animals along India’s coastline, his work is driven by a desire to bring people closer to a world few get to experience firsthand. On World Oceans Day, Verma speaks to Hyderabad Times about his journey beneath the waves, the role of cinema in inspiring ocean exploration, and why conservation remains at the heart of everything he does.‘I first saw the ocean without filters in 1997 and spent 30 years trying to capture it’Verma’s journey into underwater filmmaking began long before cinema entered the picture. “A trip to Lakshadweep in 1997 marked the first time I saw the ocean without any filters and I immediately fell in love,” he recalls. “Over the next few years, I returned repeatedly to dive, eventually becoming a scuba instructor in 2000. But as I spent more time underwater, I realised I wanted to share the beauty of the underwater world with others,” he says. He began filming his dives, and the footage eventually became Troubled Waters, a documentary that won a National Award in 2006. “That recognition encouraged me to pursue underwater photography and filmmaking professionally. Today, after thousands of dives across multiple destinations, the ocean remains as captivating to me, as it was during that first descent,” he says.‘Films can inspire people to take the plunge’As scuba diving gains popularity in India, Verma believes cinema has played an important role in introducing audiences to the underwater world. “More people are getting involved as underwater experiences become increasingly accessible across India, from the Andamans and Lakshadweep to coastal spots like Puducherry, Rameshwaram, Netrani and Mangalore, all offering scuba training. Over my 30 years of experience, I’ve seen scuba diving steadily grow, helped by inspiring films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Beyond the adventure, it’s also about overcoming fears and truly connecting with the ocean,” he says.‘Photography became a way of giving something back’At the same time, conservation gave Verma a larger purpose. Part of a marine conservation NGO, he also helps rescue stranded marine animals, particularly turtles along the coasts of Goa and Karnataka. “We frequently treat injuries, remove plastic, perform surgeries and rehabilitate animals before releasing them back into the ocean. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world, but I’ve also witnessed its growing vulnerabilities,” he notes. Through his photographs and films, Verma hopes to create an emotional bridge between people and the oceans. “I hope to reveal not only the wonder of marine life and coral reefs but also the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems. I believe that when people form an emotional connection with nature, they’re far more likely to care about its future, and my photographs are an attempt to create that connection,” he says.‘India offers world-class diving closer to home’Having spent years diving across India’s waters, Verma is particularly enthusiastic about the country’s marine biodiversity and the growing interest in exploring it. “The coral islands of Lakshadweep and the volcanic islands of the Andamans both boast thriving coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, making them the country’s top scuba diving destinations,” he says. “Though mainland spots like Mangalore, Puducherry and Rameshwaram also offer diving experiences, their water clarity and marine biodiversity can’t quite compare. Still, these coastal regions are seeing more exploration and increased scuba activity, steadily growing over the past three decades,” he adds.The ocean is talking. Are we listening?