Life Ahead

J Krishnamurti. My Guide.

I took this picture at the Krishnamurti Retreat, Badlapur, Mumbai.

Parinda

On a busy street of Kabutarkhana (this is the place which keeps flashing in Vinod Chopra's cult classic - Parinda), a diwali bomb exploded and there was this huge flutter in the sky.

A busy street

A busy street at Kabutarkhana, Dadar on Dassera day.

I liked the bus conductor's patient expression on a festival day.

Life faster then Light

The lone street light is a silent spectator to the fast life of Mumbai.

The Essence of Time

My daughter and my mom.

Only time separates them.

Big Sale, small dreams

I saw this street kid staring at a kids sale at Hill Rd, Bandra.

Felt sad and helpless. As usual.

What else can a spineless urban citizen like me do?

A hard day at work

This lady performed amazing acrobatics with her 2 sons, on a busy Mumbai roadside.

These pics capture the spirit of the harsh realities of a hard life.

Waiting at the bus stop

This old lady, traditionally dressed, was waiting at a bus stop.

She was unable to read the bus numbers from far and was eager not to miss the bus.

A lazy afternoon

These guys were lazing around The Oval at Mumbai watching a Cricket match.

I like the contrast of the alert players on the field and a lazy set of friends watching them from a distance.

Stillness in Motion

My friend, Deep, in a reflective mood at Mondegar's, Mumbai. (Jan 07)

Just spoke to him and felt I spoke to myself.

Is the glass half full or half empty?

Sunday Siesta

I found these two having a siesta on a sunday at Churchgate.

Flights of Fancy

A huge airplane was put up on display at the Kala Ghoda Fest. These girls were having fun clicking their picture near the plane. Their exuberance stands out against the city backdrop.

Engrossed

Kala Ghoda visitors planning their time looking the the event calender. Though everyone has their back to the camera, you can sense their ambigiuos state of mind.

Timepass

I saw these two kids passing through the art exhibition nonchalantly.

They were completely disinterested and what more, they were having fun at the abstract art displayed at the exhibition. They found it too 'weird' to comprehend.

The pic displays this nonchalance.

Puppet Show 1

There was a puppet show at the Kala Ghoda Festival. A lot of slum kids from surrounding areas came over to watch the fun.

As the show was over, I saw these two small girls engrossed with a puppet toy in their hands, oblivious of the surroundings.

Tibetan Charm

These three girls came from Tibet to showcase their culture at the Kala Ghoda Festival.

Most onlookers were watching them with amusement, but the girls walked past confidently through the crowds like seasoned models.

Artists at work

I liked the way everyone in the image are engrossed in the art and the artists.

These are talended artists who make your sketch at Rs. 100 - the price includes paper, a chair to sit and their skills + a few free onlookers.

Cellphone

This lady was constantly arguing with somebody on her cellphone.

She was an art dealer, but did not look interested in the customers passing by.

She had some nice works on display though.

Cutting Chai

This one is from the 2nd floor of National Gallery of Modern Art.

The cutting chai was there for the event volunteers. It was 2.30 pm and I wanted it desperately.

Was the BEST bus driver also thinking about a refreshing cup of tea?

A few moments away from a hard day at work.

This toy seller was enjoying a live dance performance of Sandip Soparrkar and his troupe.

I liked the way she and the kid on the cycle were engrossed in a dance performance quite unknown to them.

Making sense of art

I caught these two young kids, who were cleaning the pavement, trying to understand the abstract art displayed on the screen. The images were of John Lennon, Bob Marley (these are the ones I remember) amongst others.

They knew nothing, yet were trying to make sense of the images around them.

The Kala Ghoda Festival 2007 is on at Kala Ghoda (Black Horse), Mumbai. Its a festival of arts, crafts, movies, music and dance. Amatuers as well as professional artists display their skills in an around the roads, lanes, theatres, as well as art galleries around Kala Ghoda.

I found these three old friends (the one on the left is a roadside art dealer) standing and chatting. I tried to click their pic without being noticed. But they did. And I am glad they did, because they quickly posed with a smile at the camera. The camera has captured it (their quick reflexes) beautifully.

Once I clicked, they smiled back towards me and continued their talk. After sometime I realised that they were being clicked by so many other photographers, and had probably got used to it.

This realisation, I think, has added more beauty to the pic.

About Just Looking

I love taking pics.

Clicking pics are about capturing moments and the stories around them.

I have created this blog to share these stories.