MumbEYE

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After Eric's workshop, I have been reading a lot about Street Photography. Some very interesting and thought provoking articles made me sit back and think! The fun, I realised is in capturing the candid moments and creating magic with light J

I have been in Mumbai for a very long time, but never realised what it had in store… the chance encounter with Street Photography and I look forward to visiting many such places of interest. The workshop brought back the curiosity in me to know more about life in Mumbai.

har fikr ko dhuein mein udata chala gaya
The streets of Mumbai, rather India is not like that you find in most cities. As I moved around the streets waiting for the “keeper” shots, I encountered stark realities of Mumbai. People coming to in search of jobs, sleeping on the cold, frozen streets are the facts that we choose to ignore consciously. I guess most of us would have seen them day and in and day out! But we have never given a second thought! On a cold Sunday morning, a middle-aged man waiting around the street corner with hope in his eyes and an attitude that would give RA.One a run for his money caught my eye. An immigrant from Rajasthan, here to earn for his big family. (I would have loved to see the red spot on the cigarette.)
Stay Ready
Till 1992 I was a cricket fanatic, would spend time glued to the “transistor” or the “tv” for hours. While my love and hate for cricket have remained unchanged since then, there are many youngsters who are crazy even to catch a glimpse of the plump “Ramesh Powar”. Azaad Maidan a heaven for cricket lovers. Walking through the gates somewhere around afternoon, I saw this young boy sitting all by himself. He looked lost, but was all geared for action. I love this shot, as it makes me realise we always have to “Stay Ready”, never know when action would be required.
Close Shave!
Mumbai is the only place where you can find everything that you do at home being done on the streets (literally). One of the most common feature of every street “Dhoop Chaon” or in sophisticated terminology “The Italian Saloon” that provides the much needed cleanliness for men. These saloons / keshkartanalays are your one stop spa, saloon, massage centre. It is interesting to be there as you can catch-up on loads of gossip some true, some gross! Morning, noon or night – if you have the time, they would snip it right!
Sun and Son, with daughter!
Sunsets are beautiful. And it is always true at Nariman Point and the Marine Drive belt… This place is full of action from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. While the 26/11 incident had reduced many activities it is still a great place to hangout! Lovers, couples, students, families everyone enjoys the “cutting chai“ and “chana jor garam” as they enjoy the sun set.
Law...& Behold!

We are law abiding citizens and would dare not cross them! The photo alongside captures the spirit correctly. The red signal box screams “stick no bills” and ta da… posters from the law makers adorns the box… as I was about to shoot… I saw the mirror, waited for few minutes when another photographer engrossed in his quest for the best shot unmindful of being shot that in a mirror passed by. The hands pointing in all directions, are just an indication we need to look all around for the right shot!
Remember "rules are meant to be broken" would you not agree? PS: only rules not the lawJ

Comments

Jagrut said…
Nice one Brillian. I like the word plays throughout the write-up. The one on stay ready is so relevant in today's context and otherwise too. (Reminded me of Craig Valentine who said you never GET READY for speaking you have to always STAY READY for you never know when you would be asked to speak).
11:20 PM
Nilesh said…
good one.. your writing is as good as your pics.. both instatntly connect !! happy shooting !! ;)
2:43 PM
Unknown said…
Dear Brillian, you have succeeded in catching the very pulse of our beloved Mumbai brilliantly. The photos emphasize the point you are trying to make and it leaves a lasting impression on our minds.
Well Done and I am waiting for your next blog!
12:12 PM
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