Most photographers worry about lighting. Gargi Mazumdar worried whether her body would cooperate long enough to finish the shoot. In this episode, I sit down with the celebrated Singapore photographer who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at just 30. She opens up about hiding her symptoms, struggling to hold her baby, losing mobility, and continuing to work through it all. Gargi also takes us inside her life-changing deep brain stimulation surgery, an awake brain procedure that helped her walk, work, and reclaim her independence. IN THIS EPISODE 00:00 | Meet Gargi: Photographer and Fighter 02:07 | Diagnosed With Parkinson’s at 30 03:19 | What Kept Her Going 04:24 | When Her Body Stopped Cooperating 05:36 | Motherhood, Marriage and Career 06:43 | The Support That Carried Her 07:37 | Discovering Brain Stimulation Surgery 08:58 | The Surgery That Changed Everything 09:29 | How DBS Restores Movement 11:31 | Living With a Brain Device 12:21 | Awake During Brain Surgery 13:38 | Getting Her Life Back 13:44 | When Medication Stopped Working 14:28 | What Parkinson’s Patients Should Know 15:13 | Rebuilding Life Through Photography 15:54 | Why She Chose Portraits 16:17 | Working While Hiding Parkinson’s 17:43 | How Illness Changed Her Art 18:46 | Her Advice to Creatives 19:37 | What Courage Really Looks Like 21:08 | Dreams, Lessons and Rapid Fire 23:19 | Funny Outtakes 23:19 | Blooper Gargi Mazumdar | Couture Lense I’m a Singapore-based photographer, wife, and mother who has spent years capturing beauty while quietly living with Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed in my twenties, I learned to manage tremors, stiffness, exhaustion, and medication side effects while continuing to work and care for my family. But six months ago, my symptoms became harder to control, and even simple daily tasks felt overwhelming. My husband, Anindya, searched for specialists and treatment options across countries, eventually leading us to Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. The procedure placed electrodes in my brain and a pacemaker-like device in my chest to regulate abnormal signals. It was frightening, but it changed my life. When I left the hospital, I no longer saw only a patient in the mirror. I saw a woman finding her way back to herself. Shalima Motial | Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host) With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based Events, Theatre & Film Production Company providing a platform to artists, Entrepreneurs & works towards “Women Empowerment” through niche platforms! Connect with Shalima at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/ Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 15 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine. Through its diverse initiatives, Dream Catchers continues to inspire and empower individuals across the region.They have successfully done Theatre Festivals & produced many short films & full length feature film Dominoes. The link is below:) https://youtu.be/n8iKL3Vakr8____ Thank you to our Sponsors:Mandar Padhye; The Resilient Investor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandarpadhye Infiniti Jewels - www.infinitijewels.com.sg RealtybyDeepti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-malik-30675351 & https://www.instagram.com/realtybydeepti