Saturday, September 20, 2008

Deep Saffron

The Pursuit of Moksha
While on shoot for my documentary film, I met this Sadhu at a tea stall. An ascetic who left behind all material attachments in order to achieve Moksha, dedicated to spend his entire life wandering in the search of true God.

Gnashing your teeth

Encounter with someone irate
We were at Chhataari and wanted to check out the Haveli of the Nawaab of Chhataari but this man would not let us. He was annoyed by our presence and wanted us to leave, just as the Nawabs left the place decades ago. The ruins were for him and he didn't want to share. He was fine after a while and we did get to go inside.

Just do it

Open air toilet
The bus was stopped at Khurja bus stand and this lady stepped out with her child who probably wanted to go to the toilet but, to my surprise, she made the child sit right there! Some people did object but it was too late and the shutter had flipped by then.

The demand and supply

The food that is cooked is always first made
While I waited for my mother to buy the vegetables, I caught a glimpse of this merchant who was busy selling. So busy that he did not notice that I strategically place my camera to shoot him. He was just meeting the demand.

On a busy street

Compressed natural gas for drinking water
Paban Kumar sells a glass of water for 50p in New Delhi. His customers are the thirsty commuters who bless him for being there at the time of need. He has no clue why ‘CNG’ is marked on the water storage tank that he has leased. All he knows is that CNG is made compulsory in Delhi!

Friday, September 19, 2008

The Holy Waters

As calm as it could beThis photograph of the holiest river of India was clicked in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant located at Narora. Some believe that if you take a dip into it, all your sins will be washed away. The twin reactors at the nuclear power plant didn't interest me as much as the scenic beauty of the place. It was exceedingly calm.

Still yet moving

In the village of Chhataari
Ameena, the grandmother and Rani, the Granddaughter. They live in a small north Indian village called Chhataari. Ameena wanted Rani to go to school but Rani was not interested. Now she helps her grandmother in collecting firewood and with other 'home-work'.

Far above the ground

A remarkable monument
The 53.63m high and 35 meters wide Buland Darwaza was built by Akbar in 1602. It is the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. It is built of red sandstone and inlaying of white marble. Around the archway is a panel on which is written,in kufic script, "Jesus, Son of Mary (on whom be peace) said: The world is a bridge, pass over it, but build no houses upon it. He who hopes for a day, may hope for eternity; but the world endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer, for the rest is unseen." Now that's something unusual.

A Jovial Tune

03 May 2008. New Delhi. Temperature 45°C.
The trees could help escape the heat but not the attire. These men wear this fabric which is so stocky and harsh for summer. After speaking to this man, I would say, "A jovial tune isn't always a happy one for everyone".

The transformation

We all think about changing a lot things in our lives or otherwise.The inquisitive look on her face was something that moved me to click this picture. I clicked her on a busy railway platform while she was interacting with an acquaintance. I just kept the look and removed everything else. If you don't belive me have a look at the original pic...
Its a good thing that pictures are not as difficult to change as other things in life!

The Indian Rail

It remains the most enjoyable mode of transport.
All those who have travelled by train in India must have come across this sight at least once. I just thought of capturing it. I too like to stand by the door of a moving train but its not always that the place is unoccupied.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

The Rickshaw Puller

A usual sight for all of us but do we care to know just how it feels?
Meet a cycle rickshaw puller from South Delhi. He earns around Rupees 150 each day. Has a wife and four childern. Rides his machine regardless of the weather. It is very hot and humid and he is waiting under a tree to get you to the other side of the block. Life is tough and there is no escape for them. They do not complain either. He was happy to speak about it.

In tune with life

Most of the action happens while travelling. I guess it's what life is all about.
I was travelling in a general compartment of a local train in New Delhi when this turban clad young boy boarded the train with a drum, drumstick and a bag. He appeared to be tired and sleepy and within moments he was fast asleep. He looked so much in tune with his life that I could not help but click.