You initially trained as a lawyer. What made you change your path and how did you get started as a photographer?
I grew up in east London to Indian immigrants. Within my culture we are strongly encouraged to train in professional careers such as law and medicine. I went to University to study law, but I realized I would never be happy as a lawyer. Soon after I was given the book Henri Cartier Bresson in India. I knew then I wanted to be a photographer. I left law school to study photojournalism. During this time I was fortunate to land a few commissions with The Independent Magazine, as well as build my personal work. I ended up freelancing for the Independent. In 2000 I was awarded the World Press Photo Awards in Arts. This closed the chapter on my newspaper career. I knew I wanted to refocus my direction and redefine my life as a photographer.

You are currently working on a personal project, State of Grace. How does being a British photographer with Indian heritage shape your experience of what you document on your American travels?
State of Grace records my personal journey through post Obama America. It is still a fluid and undefined project but contains the quietness and distance that runs through most of my work. For a long time I was unaware how fundamentally dual ethnicity shapes my life. Born and raised in Britain, my family life is dictated by Indian culture and language.