HOLINESS OF LONELINESS

HOLINESS OF LONELINESS

I encountered an elderly man (a Sadhu) in Rishikesh, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site situated along the banks of the Ganga river in India. His sole possession was the Holy book, which he cherished close to his heart. He did not smile or ask for alms, yet the serenity on his countenance indicated that his satisfied soul had transcended the physical realm. There are occasions when we come to understand that the essence of life is simply a vast emptiness! Moments frozen in time, where emptiness fills megapixels !

THE BAREFOOTED GOD

THE BAREFOOTED GOD

The deity manifested before me! Indeed, it occurred on a pleasant Sunday morning as I leisurely walked through the streets of Bangalore. Upon hearing a chime, I turned around and there he was – Rama, barefooted with a serene smile adorning his face. The young man was earning some additional income in his new avatar. The rickshaw behind him displayed an image of Hanuman, piquing my interest. According to mythology, Lord Rama used to ride on the back of Hanuman!

BURNING DESIRES & STUBBORN STAINS

BURNING DESIRES & STUBBORN STAINS

I encountered a man this morning, sitting alone in a corner of his village hut, smoking beedies (Indian cigars). As I approached and began taking photographs, he remained expressionless. Observing him through the camera lens, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of grey hairs on his head, a testament to his unfulfilled desires. His fingernails and teeth were stained black from tobacco. A true representation of the typical downtrodden Indian citizen!

HUNGER PARTNERS

HUNGER PARTNERS

Kole Basava, also known as the Decorated Bull, represents a traditional Indian folk practice where elaborately adorned bulls accompany their owners, meandering through villages to entertain and earn a livelihood. These well-trained bulls showcase various tricks while their owners play musical instruments. Recently, I observed a young gypsy girl sitting in front of a temple with her bull (which was actually a cow), seeking alms. Despite her striking beauty, surpassing that of many models, she appeared hungry and fatigued. Her gaze seemed fixed on a distant point, perhaps envisioning better days ahead. The hopeful gleam in her eyes, brimming with longing, captured my attention through the lens.

THE HOTTEST KID IN TOWN

THE HOTTEST KID IN TOWN

In the early hours of the morning at Madiwala Vegetable Market in Bangalore, I noticed a salesman with a large quantity of hot chillies displayed in front of him. I jokingly asked him, “Are you selling Rocket Fuel?!” The boy seemed a bit shy and quickly hid behind the pile of chillies. In that moment, I realized it was a perfect opportunity to capture a unique story, and I did so within a split-second.

WAKE UP, MAHOUT. IT IS TIME FOR THE SHOW

WAKE UP, MAHOUT. IT IS TIME FOR THE SHOW

One of the typical days at the Mahabalipuram rock carvings unfolded. The afternoon sun beat down relentlessly, prompting people to seek shelter in the shade. I spotted a man lazily napping beneath the massive elephant statue. The small elephant appeared to be attempting to rouse him from his slumber. The scene captivated me, and now it graces the walls of my home.

ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK

ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK. WELCOME TO THE GALIS OF VARANASI

As I strolled through the narrow streets (Galis) of Varanasi, the stray beams of light illuminated the dark alleys. Suddenly, I spotted the magnificent bull standing next to his impressive portrait on the wall. The gentle and majestic animal immediately captured my attention. I quickly captured the scene before he turned his gaze towards the alluring cows passing by.

OVERSHADOWED !

OVERSHADOWED

There was a renowned aerial photograph taken by National Geographic photographer George Steinmetz. The image captured camels crossing a desert and was recognized as one of the top pictures of the year 2005. If my memory serves me correctly, it was the summer of 2007 when I developed a routine of spending my evenings on the terrace of our apartment in Bangalore, admiring the celestial clouds and sunsets. One evening, I noticed a shepherdess making her way back home with her flock from a distance. I patiently waited until they were directly below our building, and suddenly, a brilliant beam of light emerged from one side of the street, casting long shadows on the other side. It brought to mind that iconic National Geographic photograph. Without hesitation, I seized my camera and captured the moment in a single click. This photograph remains one of my all-time favorites.

THE MAN WHO KEPT STARING AT ME

THE MAN WHO KEPT STARING AT ME

The pillars of Bhoganandeeshwara temple near Bangalore were illuminated by the bright sun rays. The decorative umbrella created a red hue on the pillars, making it a challenging lighting situation for me to capture. Suddenly, a man appeared and sat there silently, gazing at me. His white hair was glowing in the strong backlight, adding a human element to my composition. I decided to treat him to breakfast.

THE MAN, THE BEAST AND A DROP OF SWEAT

THE MAN, THE BEAST AND A DROP OF SWEAT

The magnificent white bull, towering over 6 feet tall with its enormous horns resembling a crown, contrasted sharply with its master who was of a different color and clad in nothing but a towel. On a scorching summer day in TamilNadu, where the temperature exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, the man was drenched in sweat as he loaded sacks of grains onto the bullock cart. I observed their strenuous labor until they set off, and I trailed behind them in my car. While following, I captured several images with my camera propped up on the steering wheel, encapsulating a snapshot of rural life in India.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

The young girl approached us as we stopped for a drink, carrying a bundle of freshly picked carrots to sell. Despite our refusal, her friendly smile disappeared and a tear rolled down her cheek, which she quickly wiped away. It seemed she might be trying to earn extra money after school, or perhaps she was the sole provider for her family. Without saying a word, she returned to her spot and waited for the next customer. When I reached for my camera to capture her expression, she turned her face away from me. It was a moment that spoke volumes.

BIRTH OF A GOD

BIRTH OF A GOD

The skilled artisan in Mahabalipuram continued to hammer tirelessly. The noise of his chisel was overwhelming, and I struggled to breathe in the dusty atmosphere of his workshop. As Michelangelo famously stated, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the sculptor’s task to discover it.” It was truly mesmerizing to witness a stunning visage coming to life from a solid piece of granite. This image is a tribute to all the talented artists who have contributed to shaping the history of our nation.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

The fish monger proudly showcased her goods, beaming with joy. The bustling Kochi harbor was teeming with various scenes to capture. The story that intrigued me was ‘ANTICIPATION’. Fishermen patiently awaited a bountiful catch. Empty baskets stood ready to be filled with more fish. The woman awaited her customers. An abandoned boat awaited its fate of demolition. A few crows eagerly awaited a meal. And I awaited the ideal moment to capture in a frame.

COLOURLESS LIFE IN MY COLOURFUL INDIA

COLOURLESS LIFE IN MY COLOURFUL INDIA

He was seated, gently savoring a cup of tea, his gaze distant and thoughts wandering elsewhere. I observed him closely, a representation of the stereotypical oppressed Indian male. The shadows of life’s hardships were evident on his countenance. Unbeknownst to him, I delved into his narrative, searching for the perfect shot. I envisioned and crafted a scene that depicted the man envisioning a colorful future. A poignant tableau, I believe.

HOLY COW

HOLY COW

While the cows in Varanasi are typically gentle and tranquil, sporadic incidents may occur in the narrow alleys. On a serene day, I roamed around with my camera, seeking stories. Unexpectedly, a loud noise startled me, causing me to nearly drop my camera. Upon turning around, I witnessed a man slapping a cow on the cheeks. The cow remained silent and retreated into the alley, rummaging through the garbage for her preferred snack. Varanasi continues to stand as the prime location for street photography.

I REPAIR ANYTHING EXCEPT BROKEN HEARTS

I REPAIR ANYTHING EXCEPT BROKEN HEARTS

I encountered yet another intriguing tale just around the corner. The individual I came across was a skilled technician, exuding a cheerful demeanor. It was evident that he possessed a wide range of expertise, prepared to fix just about anything. After obtaining his consent, I discreetly captured a photograph before venturing into the neighboring street.

OPEN AIR SHAVE

OPEN AIR SHAVE

The street life in Varanasi is undeniably captivating, making it a dream destination for photographers. As I wandered along the ghats of Varanasi, I found myself intrigued by a barber who suddenly emerged with his improvised setup and began diligently working.

INDIA, A COUNTRY OF CONTRASTS AND CONTRADICTIONS

INDIA, A COUNTRY OF CONTRASTS AND CONTRADICTIONS.

India is often stereotyped as the land of Snake Charmers and Black Magicians by many around the world. However, during my visit to Varanasi, I encountered a man who defied these stereotypes. He not only possessed the latest Smartphone but also carried two deadly Cobras in his bag, showcasing a unique and intriguing juxtaposition of modernity and tradition.

THERE WAS A MILL IN THAT LITTLE VILLAGE

THERE WAS A MILL IN THAT LITTLE VILLAGE

Not much had altered in that small village even after twenty years. The flour mill remained unchanged, but the only recognizable person appeared significantly older. He welcomed me to come inside and inspect the machinery. It was completely dark inside, and I could hardly make out anything. The camera had difficulty focusing on anything until it finally captured a thin ray of light streaming through the window. The texture of the weathered wall appeared stunning through the lens, and I couldn’t resist capturing it on film.

REMINISCENCE OF THE PAST

REMINISCENCE OF THE PAST

Vandalism can sometimes be seen as art. It is possible. Here is an image that speaks for itself. Oh, and I happened to notice the word ‘Monalisa’ on the wall. Did you see it as well?