There is an interesting story behind the birth of the Secunderabad studio. The story goes that the Nizam’s army commander and personal secretary asked Deen Dayal to invite the Nizam to his place which was a small area in a temporary building. The Nizam agreed to be photographed in his uniform at the studio. Within 24 hours the shamiana tent was erected (Deen Dayal had his own portable studio about 30 feet by 20 feet with muslin on one side for light). The place was decorated with simple furniture, carpets and sofas. The dress which the Nizam would wear was laid out. The Nizam arrived at the studio at 8 am for he had to attend a parade at 9 am after the sitting. Deen Dayal received him on the roadside and showered silver coins to the waiting crowd after turning them over the Nizam . The full staff of Deen Dayal saluted the Nizam in the Moglai style and the Nizam was most pleased with the honour bestowed on him and the elaborate makeshift arrangement for the occasion. After dressing, about 8-10 pictures were taken. The Nizam then asked his ADC whether this place belonged to the photographer and he was told that Deen Dayal had taken this on rent about a month back. The conversation took place when the Nizam was having tea and he ordered that the place which was in his jagir(property) should be permanently presented to Deen Dayal. Thus was laid the foundation of the larger studio which was patronised by the Nizam’s noblemen and British army officers.The studio was situated in the centre of Secunderbad towards the Parade grounds and the Nizam used to come to Deen Dayals twice a year at the New Year Parade and H.M. King George's Birthday Parade on 3rd June. The Nizam used to change his civil dress into a full brocade and velvet uniform before going to the March Past about half km away.

There was a large garden at the back of the studio with several mango and guava trees. On the north side he had a big stable where the firm had three carriages and five horses ready at any time of the day. The zenana studio was another memorable entity. The purdah system was so widely entrenched in Hyderabad that no wise commercial establishment could have ignored its existence. Managed by one Mrs. Leverick, it did not lack the supervision of Deen Dayal. While the ladies were dressing in the ante room, Dayal set up everything and instructed Mrs. Leverick. She had to just press the shutter and take the required pictures with various exposures and backgrounds which were all set beforehand. Despite the special facilities, there were very few women who opted to be photographed. In fact we do not have a single picture of Deen Dayal’s wife.