Fine Art Cottage
"Four generations of timeless artistry and innovation in photography"
Now run by Raj Kashyap, a fourth-generation photographer, Fine Art Cottage stands as a symbol of timeless artistry and innovation in photography. Raj has inherited not only the remarkable talent of his forefathers but also their passion and vision.
With a deep understanding of both vintage techniques and modern technologies, Raj Kashyap continues to redefine storytelling through the lens — blending classic elegance with cinematic creativity.
Original Fine Art Cottage Studio - Since 1928
A century of photographic excellence
A Century-Old Legacy
Who would have thought that what began as the passion of the late Anand Bihari Prasad Verma, popularly known as 'Lallu Babu,' would spread its roots so deep that it would become synonymous with photography in Darbhanga?
1928
The Beginning
Late Anand Bihari Prasad Verma "Lallu Babu"
Born and brought up in a Zamindar family of Vaishali district in the pre-independence era, the late Anand Bihari Prasad Verma had to leave his home due to a conflict with the British. His father sent him to Calcutta, where he continued his studies at Calcutta University.
After graduation, he began working at Bourne & Shepherd, a leading photography brand that worked with Indian and British royals. There, he met the Darbhanga Maharaj, who invited him to be the official royal photographer of Darbhanga Raj.
1928 - The Beginning
Late Anand Bihari Prasad Verma "Lallu Babu"
Born and brought up in a Zamindar family of Vaishali district in the pre-independence era, the late Anand Bihari Prasad Verma had to leave his home due to a conflict with the British. His father sent him to Calcutta, where he continued his studies at Calcutta University.
After graduation, he began working at Bourne & Shepherd, a leading photography brand that worked with Indian and British royals. There, he met the Darbhanga Maharaj, who invited him to be the official royal photographer of Darbhanga Raj.
1925-1928
Royal Appointment
Official Photographer to Darbhanga Raj
Historic Darbhanga - 1955 Royal Era
Anand Bihari went to England to master professional photography and started his royal journey in 1925. He opened a studio inside the Raj campus and joined Fine Art Cottage, a prestigious photography studio of that era.
After the studio's owner passed away in 1928, Anand Bihari took over — and the rest is history. He passed away in 1972, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
1925-1928 - Royal Appointment
Official Photographer to Darbhanga Raj
Anand Bihari went to England to master professional photography and started his royal journey in 1925. He opened a studio inside the Raj campus and joined Fine Art Cottage, a prestigious photography studio of that era.
After the studio's owner passed away in 1928, Anand Bihari took over — and the rest is history. He passed away in 1972, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Historic Darbhanga - 1955 Royal Era
1972-1990s
Second Generation
Late Ashok Kumar Verma
The legacy passed to his son, the late Ashok Kumar Verma. Even after the Maharaja's demise, Ashok continued working with the royal family until the integration of the princely states.
Like his father, he also studied photography in England and transformed Fine Art Cottage into a nationally recognized brand. Today, a gallery in London still honors the studio with a dedicated section featuring its historic albums.
1972-1990s - Second Generation
Late Ashok Kumar Verma
The legacy passed to his son, the late Ashok Kumar Verma. Even after the Maharaja's demise, Ashok continued working with the royal family until the integration of the princely states.
Like his father, he also studied photography in England and transformed Fine Art Cottage into a nationally recognized brand. Today, a gallery in London still honors the studio with a dedicated section featuring its historic albums.
2004
Innovation Era
Late Rakesh Kumar Verma
The legacy then passed to the late Rakesh Kumar Verma, who expanded the business and established Darbhanga's first photo developing lab in 2004, bringing modern technology to the traditional craft.
2004 - Innovation Era
Late Rakesh Kumar Verma
The legacy then passed to the late Rakesh Kumar Verma, who expanded the business and established Darbhanga's first photo developing lab in 2004, bringing modern technology to the traditional craft.
Present Day
Fourth Generation
Raj Kashyap - Modern Innovation
Raj Kashyap - Blending Heritage with Modern Technology
Now, under the creative vision of Raj Kashyap, the studio continues to evolve with time. With a strong foundation of tradition, Raj has elevated the brand to new heights by integrating modern cinematic techniques, professional-grade equipment, and digital storytelling.
All while keeping the family's century-old values alive. From royal portraits to modern weddings, Fine Art Cottage remains Darbhanga's most iconic photography destination — where every frame is a piece of legacy.
Present Day - Fourth Generation
Raj Kashyap - Modern Innovation
Now, under the creative vision of Raj Kashyap, the studio continues to evolve with time. With a strong foundation of tradition, Raj has elevated the brand to new heights by integrating modern cinematic techniques, professional-grade equipment, and digital storytelling.
All while keeping the family's century-old values alive. From royal portraits to modern weddings, Fine Art Cottage remains Darbhanga's most iconic photography destination — where every frame is a piece of legacy.
Raj Kashyap - Blending Heritage with Modern Technology
Heritage & Recognition
Royal Heritage
Official photographers to the Darbhanga Royal Family since 1925
International Recognition
Featured in London gallery with dedicated historic albums section
Innovation Pioneer
Established Darbhanga's first photo developing lab in 2004