Here are some of the frames from everyday life as I see the city and rural areas. Mostly unknown faces, but as I watch them, I feel I know these people. Different trades, some almost to the fringe of vanishing.
This montage is for people from various walks of life.
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| A for Autorickshaw!! The ubiquitous life line of Mumbai! The standard black-yellow built and the drivers in Khaki! Circa Dec 2018 |
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C for Chop!!!! Badal da .. the chop seller at Uttarpara. Chop in Bangla means fried fritters. As a child, I always used to wonder at how do these chop sellers keep running their business running? Do they ever feel to sneak out and gulp couple of their own creations?? Badal has lots of recipe in his repertoire. P claims that Badal has neither lost nor gained weight over the years!
D is for Dhaaki!! The ones clad in Dhoti and carry the BIGG Dhaak for the autumnal festivities! Some of them carry a festive feathery outfit, which is a sight to see! Circa: Oct 2021
 | D for Dhunuri!! Dhunuri are the people who carries a big sword like fixture. People would ask them to fluff up the cottons from pillows and duvets. I somehow feel this trade is going down. I do remember the sound which comes from these Dhunuri- it is a very typical plucking sound. Dec, 2025
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 | F for Flags!! Girl selling Indian flags, pre Republic Day, Vashi, Jan 2023
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 | K for Key Maker!!! Key maker lane, near Shivaji Chowk, Vashi. There is a lane in Vashi which is entirely dedicated to make duplicate keys and locks! I have now lived on and off in Mumbai for the last 25 years. And like me, if you talk to any other Mumbaikar, the chances are they will tell you the story that they got locked out from their apartment at some point of their lives. They will also tell you, that they were not properly dressed at that time. But somehow they had to borrow clothes and money and get the business sorted out!! I have faced this situation TWICE in my 25 years, the first one I own it, second was NOT by me!!! Jan 2023
 | K for Key Making Key-making machine, Vashi
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| R for Rice!!! Women harvesting rice, near Kamshet, Pune. A very common picture in rural Maharashtra. This picture sings song of Western Ghat, rains, lush greenery, simplicity, community, hard work and what not!! Aug 2007 |
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S for Sabzi Mandi!!!My long lost "Taai"s. In a world which is increasingly getting dominated by Blinkit, Zomato, Swiggy, there is a different kind of charm which rests in a Sabzi Mandi. The world which looks more greener, neatly stacked veggies and herbed. Loved this moment from my recent trip. Jan 2025
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