A recent creative photoshoot in Jaipur, Rajasthan, has sparked widespread controversy after images of a pink-painted elephant surfaced on social media. The project, conducted by Russian travel photographer Julia Buruleva, featured the elephant alongside model Yashasvi against the city’s historic architecture. While Buruleva described the shoot as inspired by Jaipur’s iconic pink-hued buildings, animal rights groups and local residents criticized the project, accusing it of exploiting the elephant for aesthetic purposes. The photos quickly went viral, dividing online opinion between those who admired the artistic vision and those concerned about animal welfare.
Buruleva explained that her six-week stay in Jaipur inspired the concept, and she considered elephants an essential symbol of Rajasthan. She emphasized that the paint used was organic, similar to colours traditionally applied during local festivals, and claimed the project followed careful planning. Multiple visits to elephant facilities were undertaken to ensure proper permissions and safe conditions. The brief shoot aimed to blend local culture with artistic imagery, highlighting heritage architecture while presenting the elephant as a symbolic companion to the model in the city’s vibrant pink backdrop.
The elephant, Chanchal, owned by Shadik Khan, was 65 years old and no longer involved in rides. Khan clarified that only “kaccha gulal” was applied for about ten minutes and removed immediately afterward. Chanchal passed away in February, and Khan stated no harm was caused. Meanwhile, the Forest Department has launched an inquiry to verify whether proper permissions were obtained and animal welfare standards observed. Activists have called for strict action to prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing that animals should not be used as props for creative or commercial purposes.