I love to wander unknown streets in the city and click photographs. I find a cafe, order a coffee and discovery of unfamiliar territories in my cerebrum begins. It can be any place, even a bench under a tree just when I am barely out of rain or searching for a respite from sweltering heat and declare that place my fortress for some time. What follows in those few moments, is an amazing journey that helps me grow and evolve.
A jetty carrying people from Versova to Madh island
Yesterday, I had an opportunity to visit a place in the city I had heard about but never visited before. I am a member of a group that plans weekend shoots at various places in the city. The shoot was at Versova village, a tiny hamlet thickly populated by vesawe koli people. I must confess, when I started walking towards the village with the group members, I experienced series of feelings; irresolute and conflicted, discordant, uneasy and uninspired. Since the place buzzes with fishing, the abhorrent stench was a HUGE challenge for olfactory senses and there were times when I sincerely wished to return without shooting a single picture!
Boat lying on the shore
The bulging bag of chocolates I had carried for the members of the group was emptied in seconds by the children who chased me, grabbed me, made me sit, sprawled near me and asked innocent questions. They were interested in knowing about my family and life in general. When asked about my mother, I told them I had I had lost her very recently. I could sense recognition of the loss flash in some of their eyes.
A roadside joint serving breakfast at early morning
One old lady with a very gentle smile, approached me and asked if I was married. After learning that I was married, her expressions changed and she almost demanded explanation from me for not wearing the mangalsutra, bangles and toe rings!
Worker at the flour mill
It was very painful to keep away from the core areas where so much action took place. The Koli women were indeed very tempting subjects but the fish market was situated right on the big garbage dump where the stink was beyond my tolerance level. However, I did manage to click many other facets of the life throbbing there that captured my attention. I was bowled over by a couple of people who despite the stench managed to visit the deep pockets of the village, befriend the people and clicked some fabulous pictures.
A koli woman selling flowers near the temple
I missed out on shooting many interesting subjects due to my being very sensitive to smells. I was on a great high despite that. I treasured every single moment of my visit and I realized that the highlight of this shoot was not only the pictures but connecting with "real" people with innocent smiles and big hearts. (I was surprised to receive many invitations for having "fish curry and rice"!)
Waiting to sail
Few hours spent on early morning Sunday, provided glimpse of different life that is far away from the softly padded walls the modern city, just a few meters away from this place lives! The shoot was an answer to a clamouring scream to break out from layers and layers of florid world and grasp at something "real". Exploring macabre world at Versova served that very purpose!
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