Stolen moments

I frequently hear a clamouring scream from within to break out from my frazzled routine and layers of florid world around me and grasp at something real. I love to explore circus of life with my camera, apprehending quiet interludes with complete strangers. The experience invariably unfolds fascinating, valuable and inspiring stories about people, human nature and life in general. 

I am not a trained photographer with formal education in photography. However, every outing with my camera has enriched me immensely and made some lasting impressions helping me change, grow and evolve as a person and that is the reason why I can't stay away from my camera for long! 

It has been quite a while since I went for photo shoot and off-lately have been sulking in "I can never be a good photographer" mode. The feeling gets enhanced when failed hours of absolute rubbish work gives huge dent to my fragile ego and leaves me deeply humbled. That is precisely how I felt last evening, while going through all my photography albums. Interestingly, a few photographs captured my attention instantly and I was reminded of the stories linked with them. 

It is amazing how each photograph reveals a story! While taking photographs of people my beautiful eyes pierce through the cold horizons of their eyes and scout for something more. I have to keep a watchful eye on those fleeting moments when my subjects allow return of their reality for a brief moment, bereft of any guards. Within those few seconds or fraction of second  lies a challenge to understand, feel and capture gravity of their emotions and get essence of their spirit. Once that is attained, there is nothing more rewarding than being able to capture genuineness of the subjects' being.

The Joker

I spotted this gentleman crowded by dozens of children wanting to take a picture with him. He obliged everyone gleefully but the moment an interesting event for the children was announced, he was deserted without even being thanked by many. Looking at him, posing with big smile, laughing loud, tickling toddlers and entertaining everyone around with his remarkable tricks, I thought, would he be as happy in his real life too? And there came a moment when I saw him contemplating about something, the only time I could not see any joy on his face! 

A man playing lord Shiva, sans the snake 

This man's worried eyes were in search of the crowd that would stop and see his show. Many people brushed past him, barely stopping. The more he felt rejected the more restless and aggressive he looked. Post two cigarettes and a cup of tea in short span, his eyes gleamed when he spotted his partner with a fake snake that was required to be worn around his neck while performing. Choicest of abuses were hurled at his partner for arriving late and before he got into the character of Lord Shiva and opened his third eye, I fled and saved myself from the fury.

A toys seller

This toys seller and her family are a permanent fixture at Kala Ghoda. Like it happens with millions of people living on the streets of Mumbai, this girl has learnt very early in life that harbouring any ambition or dream is futile. However, when a group of uber cool teenage kids, slightly younger than her got down from a swanky car, passed by her with indifference and entered the gelato shop nearby, her face suddenly became dull and there was a hint of angst that surfaced for few moments. She did not have time to feel jolted by the experience as she was instantly drawn back to her world where her three siblings were fighting, creating a scene, again. 

Child folk artist from group of Rajashtani performers

A child artist from the troop of Rajasthani folk artists looked exhausted and very sleepy. He was often seen yawning during the performance and was the only member that looked out of place. Was he forced to join the group? May be all he wanted to do was play cricket with his pals at home, who knows? 

Group of  Rajasthani artists waiting for the performance to begin

There was still time for the show of this group to begin. Unperturbed by the increasing commotion around them, these folk artists were seen sharing bidis, laughing at the urban crowd and the blatant cultural difference that juxtaposed two uniquely different worlds. The business was brisk with generous tips coming their way and they looked bit relieved. It was difficult to judge if all days were as easy for their survival. Despite having received great admiration and appreciation the older group members kept aloof!