World Photography day: it’s everyday for me

In a world that is becoming more and more hostile towards street photography, its possible to meet some innocent folk in India who are just the opposite. Instead of finding that decisive candid moment, one has to contend with families clamouring for you to shoot them as they see themselves. On a walk around Juhu beach in Mumbai last year, I ended up shooting a bunch of happy innocent folk who insisted on being photographed. They’re truly hands-free; no cell phones, no cameras… just each other for company. “I’m not a family photographer, just someone trying to overcome my inhibitions and figuring out if I can shoot in a crowd like you” I said to them.  It’s fascinating how happily and quickly some of them assembled themselves with such precision. “We’re one big family and you’re a part of it, thank you.” one of them said to me. There is no way they can see these pictures or maybe they can….

These were taken last year on Ganesh Chaturthi day, when the whole city takes to the streets as one big family.

On a day off, a Sikh father takes his son for a swim on the beach whilst celebrating the Ganapati festival on Juhu beach in Mumbai, ‘I’m secular, I celebrate every festival, what use is a holiday otherwise madam?” he said to me.

“In our village there is no beach, leave alone a lake, we’re so happy you are taking our picture on an auspicious day like this when we’re all together, Madamji, thank you.” said one of them to me.

I was intrigued by the beauty of this mother on vacation in Mumbai. Was she the demure second wife who made a baby boy possible for her man? There was no way I could find out as she sashayed past in burst of color, silently, behind the woman who walked along with the man, possibly the one in the know and in charge.

It’s that time of year, to dress up and head to the beach. Despite his disabilities, this boy was happy to be the chaperone to his sisters and little brother, jumping incessantly in the water in his not so immaculate suit! Ganapati Bappa Morya.