bombay clicks

light

2009-10-25T06:30:00.002-01:00

Yesterday, we spoke about darkness...today, I write about light.

We humans always light up the dark to see. In darkness, we cannot see where as light allows us to see. Which is more direct and non-dependent?

I took this shot at my basement when a group of workers were working on something. Lights always fascinate me as much as the darkness. It is ultimately these lights that we are dependent on to escape from the dark, not knowing that we enter nothing but the darkness trying to escape from it...

Light, simply takes us from darkness to a world where the same space is created for us to see; as without it we would just know of it's existence but would not really get acquainted...

For light, that acquits us with the world...

darkness

2009-10-24T06:24:00.000Z

This shot was taken in the evening. It amazes me to see how darkness makes everybody light up their daily lives. I recently read this interesting line -- "the fascinating fact about darkness is the fact that there is light"...isn't it true?

It is darkness, which gives us the scope of not categorizing but looking at simple figures and deciding our categories after a flow of thoughts...

For darkness, that has it's own charm...

hunger

2009-10-23T06:20:00.000Z

I used to wonder if this is the scenario only in my surroundings but was amazed to see the same even here...amazed to see the universality of this question - why does this exist?

I took this photograph at the Andheri traffic signal, late in the night before I was leaving. This man was laying by the footpath, probably sleeping within his subconscious mind, hungry for certain aimless countless days.

Are we really living in a world that is so fast, detached and unkind, that people can't even get their two meals of the day? What progress, development, third world are we talking about?

For hunger, that still remains the basic necessity...

adaption

2009-10-22T06:13:00.002Z

This photograph was taken at the R City Mall at Ghatkopar.
It has been a few months since this mall opened up and it has become one space where all the top global brands reside.

Until about twelve years ago, I hardly remember any such malls in the city. When the malls hit India, it was a BIG rage to go there. Not many would think of entering this space, unless your social and financial definitions allow you to. Today, thankfully (in some way), such scenarios have changed. Today, anybody and everybody likes going to these spaces.

These spaces are the ones which are a residence for many brands, many labels...which would compel us to be in awe of their showcases. Being a big shopoholic, I know exactly how they target their audience...and trust me, many of them do a very good job!

The whole concept of the malls has been adapted by the west. I would not judge whether it is good or bad as it is a perfect example of the coin having both sides to it.

But, what I do wonder is how amazing it is to see cultures being adapted to oneself. With all the adaptions, I wonder if there will be a time, when one would get detached or forget his own identity. Would that day ever come? I hope not...

For adaption, which remains a question to me...

the ambassador

2009-10-21T06:02:00.000Z

This photograph was clicked by Maithili at the Marine Drive.
The circular UFO-type figure that you see is the "revolving" restaurant of the Ambassador Hotel. The restaurant was quite famous and one of it's kind when it had started. I can hardly think of any such restaurant even now.

I haven't been to this restaurant ever, but would surely love to go there sometime...just for the lovely idea...

It's amazing how you can revolved around one point sitting at one spot. How I wish we revolve around our thoughts too similarly, quietly, before going negative.

For the Ambassador Hotel's lovely restaurant...

empty space

2009-10-20T18:07:00.000Z

I love this photograph, that we took at Nariman Point when I was in the city.

It amazes me to see this vast space of sea between us and the few buildings on the other end. I wonder if there will be a day very soon, when this space will vanish with all of us invading and capturing it. Or, would there be a time when this entire sea will capture us all?

For the empty space, that remains for now...

clean

2009-10-19T06:40:00.002Z

This shot was taken by Sheetal at one of the Pizza outlets at Sion.
What amazed her is the lovely little housefly that was resting on the sauce bottle tip for a long time, on another table.

The least that we can do is keep our spaces clean...so that we can feel clean about the same.
This is surely one thing that we need to learn -- keep clean!

I wish we could just adapt a few simple policies for a better space around us...

For keeping clean...

PS - For all of you who would be interested to see my latest music video, please click here. Let me know your feedback!!

return

2009-10-18T05:34:00.001Z

...remember us?

After a LONG break, we are back in the same space, with the same spirit, in different yet same lands!

I am finally in the New York City, since a few weeks now. I've been asked, pointed fingers at, accused of not updating our photographic space...but, to be extremely honest, the entire team has been extremely tied up with a lot of stuff.

(I think a lot of posts from here onwards are going to try to justify this)...I apologize!

Today is Diwali, my favorite festival which is India's most important festival. We thought of starting a new innings of this space once again, with this Indian new year!

This shot was taken by Maithili, from her house, tonight. It is undoubtedly amazing to see all houses lit, isn't it? It is so lovely to see love and happiness in everybody and for everybody. Here is wishing everybody a very happy diwali, with the hope that this love and happiness doesn't restrict itself to just festivals...but stays forever...

For the return of love and happiness...

subway

2009-08-04T07:25:00.003Z

...and we are back to food!

I took this shot at the Subway outlet at Hiranandani Gardens, Powai.
Until a few months back, I used to run away from Subway and couldn't stand the taste / look / feel of Subway sandwiches / salads. But, all thanks to our dear friend, Kanika, I've become one of its prime customers now! Although, I've just tried out the non-vegetarian section extensively, I have changed my opinion about this brand completely!

Now a days, as I pass by this outlet to go home, I see that it's always packed! I guess good things always find a market for itself...

For Subway...

PS - For all chicken lovers, try out the chicken teriyaki!

taxi

2009-08-03T19:37:00.000Z

I was passing by the Andheri area today and happened to wait at one of the signals near a flyover, below which was this taxi that was kept unused.

Seems like these vehicles are giving competition to the face of the city - the yellow and black cabs that defines the city! These taxis remind me of the ones that are present in New York City! I'm hoping that these don't replace our favorite fiat vehicles completely...

Change is inevitable, but why is it that many a times you know you want the change but still don't want it to happen...

For the taxis...

people

2009-08-02T20:57:00.002Z

"dekhiye to lagta hai, ek bheed chalti hai,
sochiye to lagta hai, bheed mein hai sab tanha"

(When seen, it seems like a crowd walking,
When thought, it seems all are alone here)

Whenever I see crowds, I remember these lines penned by Javed Saab! Aren't they so true for all of us! You can be all alone and yet be with everyone or be with everybody and yet feel lonely! Strange but true...

But, the best part of all this weirdness, which I love the most is that there are always certain people who stay within us...

For all those people living our lives with us, within us...

restart

2009-08-01T20:33:00.004Z

I know we've been quiet for a month, now.
There are tons of reasons, things, excuses, and stories to narrate about what all has happened in this one month! All, with time! Well, after a break of a month, we're back!

To update everybody, the big news is that my sister is getting married this weekend which would lead to getting you a sneak preview of an Indian wedding!

I took this shot today at the Marine Drive beside the sea. I love watching the waves coming to the stones, hitting themselves by them and then settle down and go back...just like how we would start all over again...or rather, a new phase in life...

For the restart, which we all experience...

city of joy

2009-06-25T18:56:00.000Z

This is one city, which loves everybody. This is one city which makes you live all the 9 emotions. This is one city which will simply make you realize life.

This shot was taken on the highway and I don't think there could be a better hoarding than the one put up here. Despite all that the city goes through, I can only see love, joy, ambitions, and above all life in this space!

Thank you to this city for making us who we are...

For the city that is second to none...

childhood

2009-06-24T18:31:00.001Z

I just could not resist clicking this today when I was at Hypercity Mall, Malad!

The kids' section (especially for babies) is beyond cute and adorable! It totally reminded me of my childhood, which I remember now with the help of photographs!

Isn't childhood the best phase to live? A time when you know no definitions, when you have no rules, no regulations; a time when nothing needs explanation; when emotions stick their basic 9 categories...when nothing has meanings formed by each other.

I wish life wouldn't change after growing from one's childhood too...but, probably that is what life wants to teach us what complexity means...

For childhood, which one always cherishes...

leopold

2009-06-23T18:14:00.002Z

This shot was taken at teh Leopold Cafe, as you can see, which is located at the Colaba Causeway. This is one of my favorite cafes in the city. It is a large and popular restaurant and bar, located opposite the Colaba Police Station.

Founded in 1871 by Iranis, it first started out as a wholesale oil store, and over the years has variously been a restaurant and store, and restaurant and pharmacy. Today it is a multi-cuisine restaurant with a bar on the first level, and serves cuisines like, Indian, Western, Chinese, South American, etc., and beer and alcohol. Anybody and everybody who come to Colaba know or want to know what Leopold Cafe is (also all thanks to Gregory David Roberts and Shantaram).

The cafe was an early site of gunfire and grenade explosions during the 2008 Mumbai attacks by terrorists. The restaurant was extensively damaged during the attacks. Gunmen sprayed the restaurant with bullets and there were blood stains on the floor and shoes left by fleeing customers. The cafe reopened four days after the attack,but was reclosed by the police as a safety measure after 2 hours because of the unexpected size of crowds gathering there. Regular business resumed the next day.

This space will always be immortal...

For Leopold...

bridge

2009-06-22T08:31:00.005Z

"they ask me as they wonder,
what has changed...
I simply remain silent,
as they realize
it isn't just me but also you who has changed..."

This lovely shot, is surely one of my favorites since quite some time now. This shot was clicked by Maithili at the Bandra-Worli sea-link which is going to be open for the people by this month end.

I watched "the Motorcycle Diaries" yesterday and realized that there is an Ernesto within all of us. Life cannot be judged or planned out at every stage, can it? You have one path in front of you on which you want to walk...you can't wait for the path to change until you walk on it and change it.

Sometimes in life, you feel things aren't perfect, things aren't the way you want them to be, things aren't how they should be...but, you know that it is all here! Either you stand up and find a solution to it and be the time that you want to live in or stay where you are and keep wondering until a new time conquers.

Till that time, I walk on this bridge to see the time that I wish to be...because, sometimes, just doing things by simply listening to your heart actually works...

For the bridge, that takes us from this end to a new beginning...

slumdog

2009-06-21T07:04:00.001Z

...it has done it all, and yet going on...

"Slumdog Millionaire" aka "Slumdog Crorepati" - the film that has spoken for itself, that has defined cinema, that is now a brand...is still going strong!

I took this shot at one of the theatres, where this film is still playing and going house-full at the box-office. The film is going to be premiering on television very soon and I'm sure many of us are going to be glued to the tv sets...

It's said in India, there are two things that can unite people strongly - Cricket and Cinema!

For Slumdog and the unity that it has got...

memories

2009-06-19T21:52:00.000Z

I was glancing through and found this to make me still.

These are the photographs that used to be hung at the Taj Hotel. I don't know if it still exists, but I really hope they do.

These were glimpses of all the people who had visited the Taj right from the Queen of England to the Beatles to Elvis to the biggest heroes of the world to the greatest of all Indians!

Memories can make you travel through so much and yet get you back to live the present moment. Funny and acceptably interesting.

For memories...

PS - I know I need to be shot dead for not being in touch. It's been really hard to breathe, lately...

worship

2009-06-08T21:36:00.002Z

This shot was taken outside the Siddhivinayak Temple at Prabhadevi.

The temple is one of the most famous worships spaces dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It was originally built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in November 19th, 1801.

The Siddhivinayak Mandir evolved from a small, tiny place of worship to the Grand Temple that stands today in the later half of the twentieth century. The glory to the temple was bought not only by the politicians who frequented the temple but also numerous filmstars who continuously visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.

With a space like this, for worship standing right in the middle of Prabhadevi street, one can actually feel the power and the energy as it automates you to pray to the universe as you pass by it. Tuesdays are said to auspicious for Lord Ganesha and people actually walk it up to the temple from places that are sometimes more than hundred kilometers away. It is believed that Lord Ganesh actually fulfills the wishes of people at the right time and the right place.

I love to see people getting attracted towards this space...at least, there is a place where people unite unknowingly! How I wish, people could realize this unity that the creator brings at such spaces...

For the power of worship...

circle

2009-06-06T19:29:00.000Z

I took this shot at Thane today. The trees were down stacked up on the ground.
Does life always end here? You live your life walking all over on this same ground and finally end up lying here too, until somebody comes and cleans this up, hopefully soon!

I guess it's simply the circle of life.

For the circle...

darkness

2009-06-05T20:27:00.002Z

I took this shot at Bandstand, today evening.
I love the evenings, when the light slowly diminishes to darkness. The lights in the darkness always fascinate me to the extent that my brains function the most only in the nights. No wonder, all the posts go live in the nights!

Darkness is simply another side of the coin, I feel. If people say follow the light that you see, I feel one should simply make the path in the darkness from where he wishes to see the light that he can follow. After all, isn't it rightly said that it's the darkest just before light is to come...

For the darkness...

2009-06-04T19:56:00.002Z

Streets in the city will always fascinate you with their looks.

Be it the packed traffic, or the beautiful buildings, or the red colored paan walls, or simply the people. One always finds some beauty or the other while traveling on the streets.

I took this shot near Byculla, as I was traveling to Nariman Point today.

Traffic of cars and crowds of faces are pretty similar, when thought of. All walk together, yet all are alone, when thought of.

For the streets, where all travel...

mute

2009-06-02T17:34:00.002Z

I took this shot today, at the Nariman Point. I just had to capture the moment when I saw the Hilton Towers (Oberoi Hotels), one of the victims of the 26/11 attacks.

The papers recently said that the repair work was on at the Hotel and it would be completely ready in a year and a half from now. The workers inside, who are working constantly to get things rebuilt, are completely muted by the sight. This was where things happened, someday, not too far away. This was where time stopped, some moment, not too before today. This was where life said something to us, some words, not too silenced like it was today.

It really feels as though the entire street goes mute when one passes by the hotel. I guess, time will get its words back, maybe...?

For the mute moment, that speaks...

buildings

2009-06-01T17:04:00.004Z

I took this shot today at Dadar, near the Tilak bridge area.
This building, which had a really old design and pattern to it, really amazed me.

I wonder if there are many buildings like this. I know for sure that the Dadar-Matunga areas have such buildings (well, a few of them) and the town side has a few of such buildings which would immediately remind you of the city as it was in perhaps the 1950s.

With so many tall buildings coming up, isn't it obvious that such small ones would catch one's attention as they appear in your journey?

For the buildings, that take you back in history...

PS - I know I can't give further excuses for my absence, but life has been really hectic leaving me with hardly any time to breathe!:-/

work

2009-05-22T07:17:00.000Z

This was a bit funny. I couldn't understand what these people were doing.
The traffic signal at this junction was broken (somehow), and I'm guessing these people were working on repairing the same.

It is extremely hot these days in the afternoon. I wonder how these people can bear the heat and more so work in such heat! Hats off to such people who work in unimaginable conditions, just so that we can live a daily routine.

For work, that all do...

power

2009-05-21T19:39:00.000Z

I took this shot in the evening, as I was driving back home.
The color of the sky along with these tall buildings (which are the costliest in this locality) seemed to me like what probably power would be.

Power really seems to be the most important quality a person should have, don't you think? If you have the power, you could probably do anything in the world. Power shows when you walk across a hall, power shows when you work, power shows when you are simply quiet.

Power, I guess is within all of us. We just need to realize it and we will someday...

For power...

cool cabs

2009-05-19T19:15:00.002Z

This shot was taken by me outside the Dadar railway tracks, near the Tilak Bridge.

Cool Cabs like these seem to have really reduced in numbers ever since the private cabs have been introduced to the city. I feel it's because of the amount of professionalism that the private cabs get along with them.

But, such ambassadors and cool cabs are still remembered, undoubtedly...even if they just stand on the street all alone.

For the cool cabs...

channa-wala

2009-05-18T19:10:00.000Z

I took this shot today, at the Dadar East area.

I was starving since morning, shuttling from one place to the other, which made me skip my lunch too. Finally, in the evening, when I had to meet Vishal, I happened to see this old chana-wala right next to me, sitting and waiting to serve his job to new customers.

Honestly, in the time of hunger, anything can taste like heaven! The thing that amazed me the most is what Vishal told me when he finally came to this spot. He told me that this old man never moves from his place since the time he sets up his small space early in the morning; he doesn't talk to people, doesn't leave the place and go anywhere. I wonder how some of us can be so dedicated and disciplined - is it the compassion or simply the compulsion?

For the chana-wala and millions others like him...

faces

2009-05-15T21:11:00.003Z

I took this shot at Candies, Pali Hill.
Firstly, I'd like to clear that it is not that I stay at Candies, Pali Hill, all the time but it is simply a brilliant place and I love hanging out there...well, ok, let me give this explanation a skip!;-)

This brilliant face was created on one of the walls of Candies, Pali Hill. Candies is always high on creative ambiances. Be it the Buddha that greets you at it's entrance or simply the presentation of the mini chocolate tarts; be it the path that takes you inside this Candies or simply this tile-collage on the wall -- it is creative to its best!

Somehow, when I see such faces made out of a collage of tiles, it makes me think -- isn't life similar too? A number of people together join hands, join stories, dialogues, experiences and finally make one face, which gives birth to one life!

For the faces, that give a meaning to life and much more...

empty spaces

2009-05-14T21:03:00.003Z

It's been a while since I've been talking about the empty spaces that are present in the city, which are being occupied within a blink of an eye.

I was driving to Andheri today evening as I halted at this traffic signal. I happened to see this land on which some construction work was going on. This land was empty since ages and honestly, it felt as though there was some air to breathe until I realized today that this too has been taken for construction. The worst part is that we're all simply passing it by. We're all accepting the fact that the spaces are being occupied. We're all simply believing that there won't be any more space for anything anymore someday, if we continue in this pace.

But, then I think for a while and ask myself, aren't spaces really meant for them to get occupied?

For the empty spaces, that might not be...

paths of glory

2009-05-13T20:50:00.002Z

No, this is no poster. It is actually HIM!

The one and only, Jeffrey Archer, was in the city today to launch his book - Paths of Glory - in India! The event took place at the Landmark Bookstore (our hub aka adda, whenever we have money...ahem...or maybe when we don't too).

Yes, he was here in our city and I can't just get over this fact! I haven't really been a die-hard Archer fan but yes, I do admire his plots and novels. No doubt, there were tons of his fans gathering at the Landmark Bookstore this evening but, nothing seemed to be filling more than his thoughts and words as soon as they reached your ears!

This shot was taken by Akash, who was present at the event. I completely envy him for this! I don't blame him for getting a blurred photograph as I can completely understand the kind of crowd present and the difficulty in clicking a photograph in such an ambiance! Yet, he did it; thus, thanks, Akash!

Paths of Glory is a novel based on the story of George Mallory by this legendary author. It has already caused a controversy in New Zealand with a minor newspaper calling it an insult to Sir Edmund Hillary, however Archer has gotten back on that and it can be read here.

For Paths of Glory, that I am awaiting to read...

one

2009-05-12T23:18:00.001Z

I took this shot at Bandstand, today. This is Jivesh Terraces, which happens to be one of the most famous buildings in this area.

When I took this shot from my phone, what I had in mind was the clear blue sky. What got captured was the peak of this building from where, probably, one could capture just the sky.

Don't we always want to reach the highest of heights? Don't we want to always reach a point where all that we can see is purity, clarity, and transparency. One always makes sure he makes it to the top, whatever it might take him to reach there. But does one realize that when we ultimately reach the top, when we ultimately reach our goals, when we finally achieve what we want to see, it is always just us...we realize that we and the many like us sharing the space at that moment, together define oneness.

And, as we stare at the vast blue sky that we have been wanting to see, we realize that just like all of us, the sky itself is just one...

For the power of one...

cuisine

2009-05-11T22:52:00.003Z

I guess it's color red again, today!

I took this shot at 'The Oriental Spice' restaurant, at Thane, today. All the readers know this very well by now about the big foodie that I am. Especially if it is a cuisine that I like (ahem...Chinese), there is no way that I would not like to share it with everybody.

'The Oriental Spice' is my favorite Chinese restaurant at Thane. I make it a point to go here at least once a month, if not more often. I took this shot today, as I realized I never introduced this place to you, in this space.

Some ambiances mixed with certain colors, along with your favorite cuisines can just be an absolute delight...like this one...

For the space and the cuisine...

designs

2009-05-10T22:32:00.003Z

The latest fashion designs are out in the stores again, and the colors look brilliant!
I took this shot at the Shoppers' Stop at the Inorbit Mall, Malad.

What really made me go ahead and capture this shot were the designs that have come out this season, just like any other and the looks on each customer's face as he/she checks out the statues that wear them.

Just to inform everybody that the new clothes are out and I know everybody would wait for the sales that would be coming in very soon...but go ahead and have a look!

For the designs...

life

2009-05-09T22:07:00.002Z

I took this shot from my car earlier tonight as I was driving to office. This is one of the Andheri traffic signals, which you have seen many times before, in various forms and faces.

I remember once clicking a girl in this same signal, who was taking a break from her work. Today, as I saw a group of girls and children taking some time off at this hour of the night, somehow I felt nice. I wish they could always be in this break and play as much as they should.

I took this shot with my mobile phone, as I didn't have my camera with me. I know the quality of this shot isn't great at all...but as I keep insisting always -- what has quality to do with capturing moments! I wish life too could be treated this way...where is would be no distinction between good and bad, clear and unclear...where life could simply be taken as it is...just because each and every moment is so very beautiful!

For life...

heritage

2009-05-08T21:12:00.002Z

This shot was taken today outside the BMC building at CST.

The Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika (formerly the Bombay Municipal Corporation). It is the civic body that governs the city. It is India's richest municipal corporation. Its annual budget is even more than that of some of the small states of India.Established under the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act, 1888, it is responsible for the civic infrastructure and administration of the city and some suburbs of Mumbai. Built in the Indo Saracenic of architecture the BMC, as it is more popularly known, is the largest civic organisation in the country, and administers an area of 603 sq. km.

Very few know that the city's fire department and the BEST undertaking are two autonomous bodies under the BMC.

The building, which is none less than a heritage, that you see in this shot is the administrative headquarters of the BMC!

For the heritage...

nature

2009-05-05T18:23:00.001Z

I took this shot near the Upvan lake at Thane, today.

I love clicking nature. I didn't have my camera with me today as the battery was low but I am so glad I have my phone which always comes to the rescue. I simply loved this tree standing alone on the other side of the dividers. It seemed more like a person standing on the other side waiting to call you there, wanting to be your friend.

Nature, indeed, can be so friendly, thoughtful, and expressive...

For nature and its infinite expressions...

papers

2009-05-04T23:18:00.000Z

I took this shot this evening as I was traveling towards the Lower Parel. What interested me the most while capturing this shot with my phone was the piles of newspapers, as you can see, and the two men merrily sleeping on the top of these piles.

This immediately reminded me of the poor turn out at the recent votings for the general elections. Despite immense notifications and public announcements, the citizens hardly turned out at the voting centres on the dates. The turn out at Mumbai was as low as 47%.

Yes, one can say that the people are losing hopes on the current contenders for the elections, but one really can't take the easy way out. There is a best in every worst. We need to stand up and elect as it is only us who form the government.

I wish to see a day when there would be no need for any government body, when everybody would be their own prime minister, when everybody would be independent and when everybody would believe that the individual standing next to you is nobody but just a reflection of you. Am I stating something that would always remain just in papers?

For the papers...

sleep

2009-05-03T23:05:00.000Z

This shot was taken today, by Maithili, at the backside of her college, at Matunga.

I wonder why, many a times, some of us have to catch some sleep at such locations, on the footpath. Imagine a space, like this college, where you get to learn about global development and right behind the same walls, lies this man, tired of the studies and analysis, simply wanting some rest.

How I wish, such sleep never existed...

For this sleep, that we must kill someday...

anonymous

2009-05-02T07:47:00.000Z

Anonymity has a different feeling completely. Imagine you receiving something you really wanted since a long time and one fine morning, someone drops it at your doorstep and until years later, you wouldn't know who gifted you with it. Imagine someone helping you out at the time of need and you don't know the face who helped you but you surely are aware that you have been helped.

This shot was taken by Maithili at Reclamation, today. The Bandra-Worli sea link that you see in the background is almost ready and as per reports, it would be open for the citizens on the 31st of May. Undoubtedly, it would be a delightful drive for people like me. What interests me the most in this photographs is this man, whom I think I don't know. But, when I think of it...don't we all really know each other. It's just that the anonymity plays its part between you and me.

For anonymous emotions and introductions...

innocence

2009-05-01T06:51:00.000Z

I know it...I know I've been away for 2 weeks but I was on strict bed rest as I had some viral infection pulling me down to bed.

After a lovely exhibition at Out of the Blue, we're now going to different locations for exhibitions. We'll keep updating regarding the same.

I took this shot today, at Bandstand. These two were playing on a road roller parked by the side and as they saw me clicking them, they were all the more enthusiastic to come to me and pose for a photograph. I was more than happy to capture their smiles! Sometimes, the genuineness in such children can be really moving. I'm really praying that it always remains within them.

For these two and their innocence...

1 up!!:)

2009-04-21T23:04:00.009Z

...and it is undoubtedly an emotional moment as we write this post today!

I know this shot might not be as clear as it should've been...but I guess all the emotions and smiles right from this city to all across the globe, will make up for it!

This shot was taken today evening, as we unveiled the first photo-exhibition of Bombay Clicks at the "Out of the Blue" restaurant at Carter Rd, Bandra!:) Very few know that exactly on this date, last year, Maithili and I wished to have a photo-exhibition today at this location as its our favorite restaurant in the entire city...and...here we were...setting up 12 of the best shots taken from April 2008 till March 2009 (one from each month)! Undoubtedly, it was an extremely emotional moment as we were setting up the frames and the words that essayed each photograph!

But, I must say that for me, personally, the cherry on the cake was to see the first viewers for the show to be my Mom & Dad!:)

On the ocassion of our first anniversary, we, at Bombay Clicks, take this date as a start to a new initaitive by which we would celebrate this city of love even further...

Presenting to you :

At Bombay Inspires, we bring to you weekly inspirational stories of this city, by this city...

As I keep saying...this city will never stop smiling, loving, living...

Today's day is dedicated to Alexa, Rose, Eric, Sukruta, and all the rest of the readers who are and would be a part of this journey...

For us & this city...:)

PS - Our photo-exhibition is on from today till the 1st of May at "Out of the Blue" restaurant, Carter Rd, Bandra. Feel free to walk in anytime to have a look!!:) In case we aren't around, please do leave your comments in the guestbook!!:)

sunset

2009-04-20T21:21:00.003Z

This shot was taken by Maithili, again today, at Bandstand.
By now, I know all of you know that I'm very fond of sunsets and sunrises. I simply love sunsets. They mean a lot more than what can be seen.

I love a simple question that a famous Urdu poet asked in a poem of his...he asks,
"shaam hone ko hai,
hum kaha jaayenge..."
(it's evening again,
where do we intend to go...)

I'd like to thank all of you to make all the sunsets so special, everyday...

For sunsets and a lot more...

dabbas

2009-04-19T20:53:00.001Z

This shot was taken by Maithili at Matunga, today.
Undoubtedly, I feel the dabbawalas of the city are one of the best management people in the country. Here are a group of people who have represented themselves in top management schools across the globe. Here are a group of people who have always proved themselves to be regular, efficient, and dedicated.

The dabbawalas have surely made a mark for themselves. It surprises me to see that every dabba reaches whomever it needs to reach so efficiently and correctly. I just wish we could learn something out of these men who deliver us the dabbas everyday. This space would be such a better place to be in, had we simply learn the best out of certain things...

For the dabbas, where all our disciplines awaits...

weighing machines

2009-04-18T20:49:00.002Z

This shot was taken by Maithili at the Matunga station, today. I love this shot, simply because of what it depicts. It's probably one of the few times when I've seen a girl weighing herself in public. Now tell me, how many times would one get to watch something like this?

These weighing machines used to excite me when I was a kid...primarily because at the end of the few seconds, the small card that comes out of the machine has your weight along with your so-called horoscope! I've stopped using such things since many years now...but it's so glad to see somebody use it even now!

For the weighing machines...

rows

2009-04-17T20:41:00.000Z

I took this shot from this building at IIT, Powai. The view from this building's third floor, where I was standing while taking this shot, is right in front of you.

All that I could see in front of me were these rows of huts and small houses, amidst two tall buildings, in one of which I was standing. I wonder how it would be if nobody would have to stay in such houses...if all could have spaces of their own which they could sufficiently live in...if all could simply be happy in all aspects, wherever they would be staying...

For rows, that stand still...

innocence

2009-04-16T20:34:00.001Z

I took this shot at Mahim, while at a shoot, today. These kids simply stole the moment!
I was busy clicking snaps of the subjects that were being filmed as I saw these two kids standing behind me wondering what I was doing.

Sometimes, innocence says everything in its silence. I guess that is precisely the reason why innocence always has a place for itself in any crowd...

For the innocence that stays in these ages...

us

2009-04-15T23:09:00.002Z

I took this shot at Mahim today. What amazed me the best about this was the look of the wall and the feel that this frame was depicting.

I don't know why but it somehow reminded me of the photographs and visuals that I have seen of the India and the houses that used to be here in the Independence period. Small houses in places like Punjab, or villages of any state used to have houses with such walls and a cycle, like this, for the head of the family to travel to his farms or other work place.

Many say that we could've prospered better under the British rule...my question to them is - have you prospered under your own rule?

Our cycles await our travels, journeys, expeditions; our walls await the colors; and our ladders await us reaching the heights of the top...

What are we waiting for?

For us, the country ourselves...

look

2009-04-14T23:02:00.001Z

Vishal was shooting for a documentary film on a very interesting organization, at a slum area near Curry Road, today. I took this shot while he was filming a lady who owned this petty shop in the slum.

As I walked through the slum area, I did realize the vast unbelievable difference between the people who stay there and the people who reside outside the area (statistics and definition wise)...but then, while Vishal was filming a lady in this petty shop, this young boy came and stood there staring at the lady who was being filmed. I was not able to understand whether he was wondering why the lady was being filmed...or if he was thinking when he could be the person being filmed in front of the camera, some day...

Dreams are ultimately seen irrespective of people and their surroundings...and that is what I love the best about them! Without any boundaries, borders, restrictions...things could've been so different...

For the look that we hold as we dream...

ekta

2009-04-12T22:42:00.001Z

I was talking about oneness yesterday and the whole of today had me think about the topic in detail. Is it really that difficult to realize oneness? Why do we differentiate between colors, races, religions? Why do we conduct propagandas or different campaigns, which ultimately mean the same? Why do we, at times, be such hypocrites and talk about oneness but in actuality mean not even an iota of it?

That doesn't leave me out of it at all instances too. I too have had my set of flaws, but I'm glad I'm working on them. It is really heartening at times to see others around you not realize the same and still being stuck up to certain issues, but I'm hoping this patience pays off sometime, somewhere in life...

We're all a part of this same tree. We're all these branches that seem to be individual, but are indirectly connected. We're all the threads to this cloth. Then, why is it really that difficult to realize that we're one?

For ekta, the oneness within...

streets

2009-04-11T22:36:00.000Z

I took this shot today as I was walking on one of these streets of Bandra. Every time that I walk on such streets that are a bit busy at times, but always filled with people from all walks of lives walking together, I truly wonder how wonderful the meaning of oneness is...

What is oneness? - all the defined colors forming a canvas or simply one white color which is a formation of all the colors?

For the streets, where everybody is one...

spaces

2009-04-10T22:30:00.002Z

I took this shot from the Globas Theatres located at Hill Road, Bandra. These houses simply amazed me from the top. I love to check out houses of any kinds, and if they are independent houses, I love them even more!

For some reason, this courtyard is always closed and not many get to peek into what lies inside this prime location! I guess I should figure out more about this location soon...but I want to share, at this point, a space that I was reminded of when I clicked this shot.

Recently, when I was at Ahmedabad, I happened to go to the Sabarmati Ashram, the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. I wouldn't speak about the space as it is way beyond words and descriptions. But I would just want to say that what lies in the space is purity, silence and peace...something that we would crave for throughout...

For spaces and their expressions...

5spice

2009-04-09T15:52:00.000Z

I took this shot at the 5spice restaurant that is right opposite the RBI!

5spice is undoubtedly my favorite Chinese restaurant in the city. It has 3 branches (RBI, Versova, and Pali Hill) out of which it is very difficult to say which one is the best! The most amazing part about this restaurant is the quality, quantity and at the same time the parallel that one draws with the final bill amount!

For all those who still haven't been there, you've missed out on something so amazing so far...don't waste these minutes reading further...just go and have Chinese food at 5spice!

For 5spice...

history

2009-04-08T15:38:00.000Z

I took this shot at Churchgate (as you can see)! The whole of Churchgate completely gives a different feeling to the city.

Churchgate is an area in downtown South of the city. The station gets its name from the Churchgate street (now Veer Nariman Road) which lines on the immediate south of the station. During the 18th and up to the mid 19th century, Bombay was a walled city. The city walls had three gates, and Churchgate, named after St. Thomas Cathedral was one of the gates. The gate is situated near the present day location of Flora Fountain. In the mid 19th century, the city walls were torn down to aid in the expansion program.

Sometimes at such places, one can just relive history!

For the history, that always remains...

life

2009-04-07T19:23:00.001Z

I took this shot as I was heading back home from my meeting at Nariman Point, again!

The sun, the people, the taxi, the board, the leaves just gave me a reason bright enough to capture this moment! I love to see life traveling like this. I love to see the evening bidding goodbye as the night comes to give us sleep...to give us rest...to give us peace! I love to see the early morning sunrise, which warmly welcomes everybody to a new day of their life!

Life...can be so beautiful, if you want it to be so...

For life...

necklace

2009-04-06T19:01:00.001Z

I took this shot today evening, just as the lights turned on at the Marine Drive!

Marine Drive, in the night, has been clicked by tons of photographers. I always used to wonder why...but I guess the reason stands right in front of you! On any evening, one would find tons of dreamers sitting on the pavement staring at the lights of this necklace. Every ambitious man surely has this one thought that he could / can never answer - How much would this necklace cost?

For the queen's necklace, that is priceless...

sleep

2009-04-05T18:10:00.001Z

I took this shot at the Bandra Terminus today.

This young boy was sleeping on the floor near the stairs that lead to the platform. It really touched my heart to see this young boy sleeping amidst footsteps hurrying their way to reach their destinations, car horns which scream for space, and a wide area next to him which people observe but don't do anything about.

What followed this moment calmed me down, though. A young man quietly placed a blanket over this kid and left.

In sleep, one really doesn't realize all that is happening in the real world as we crave for peace...

For the sleep, in which we seek to find peace...

hindustan ambassador

2009-04-04T22:09:00.000Z

I took this shot as I driving at Nariman Point to reach a meeting near this area. I suddenly realized this vehicle (the Hindustan Ambassador) in front of me which wasn't any taxi or a private cab but was an actual personal vehicle owned by an individual. Ambassadors are somehow considered to be the Indians' car!

The Hindustan Ambassador is a car manufactured by Hindustan Motors in India. It is being produced since 1957 and is based on the Morris Oxford mdoel first made by the Morris Motor Company at Cowley, Oxford in the UK.

Despite its British origins, the Ambassador is considered the definite Indian car. It was once the most popular car in India as it was perceived to be the best suited to the harsh Indian terrain. Its iconic status was helped by the fact that it was the preferred means of conveyance of India's political leadership, including the Prime Minister of India, before they moved on to other luxury cars and SUVs. In 2002, then-Indian PM, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee started traveling in an armored BMW 7 series vehicle for security reasons. However, some prominent Indian politicians, such as Sonia Gandhi, continue with their preference for the Hindustan Ambassador.

For the Hindustan Ambassador...

coffee etc

2009-04-03T22:03:00.001Z

No guesses for figuring out where I took this shot -- yes, at my favorite location - Candies, Pali Hill!

Today's set up of the chocolates, deserts and coffee was extremely beautiful and attractive! I love being at this place. I feel hungry even if I am not really in the mood to eat anything! I know I promote Candies a lot in this space...but guys, it is so worth it all!

To every person in the city - please go visit Candies!

For coffee etc available at its best at Candies...

rest

2009-04-02T21:55:00.001Z

I took this shot, once again, at the spot where I always end up capturing moments -- the Andheri flyover signal!

I get to observe so many people while I wait at the traffic signal, which easily lasts for a good fifteen-twenty minutes! What amazed me about this shot was the way this worker was resting sitting under some shade, resting his leg and chatting with his colleague. At such times of heat and traffic, moments like these do make you smile!

It is a different feeling to rest even in chaos, isn't it?

For rest, that avoids almost everything...

college

2009-04-01T18:33:00.002Z

I took this shot today at SIES, Sion!
This used to be my junior college / high school! I went here after around six years and it felt awesome! It felt as though I went back to those same years again!

It's an amazing feeling to live, when you travel back your memory. It feels really inspiring to see yourself stand where you are and turn around and look at all those moments that you have lived before, which stand right there staring at you, smiling, and telling you to remember them well but yet, walk ahead and live all the further moments to the fullest.

I'm enjoying my walk...

For college, that makes us walk through it all...

300th

2009-03-31T20:53:00.002Z

...and we are 300 shots old!

I really don't know how time flies and keeps you unknown to its speed. I was wondering what to capture today and just as I stopped thinking too much, I found myself standing in front of this famous building - the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - the city's arrival point.

Formerly known as the Victoria Terminus and better known by its abbreviations CST of Bombay VT, this is a historic railway station in the city which serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways. It is one of the busiest railway stations in India, and serves Central Railway trains terminating in the city as well as the surburban railway. Designed by Frederick William Stevens, it took ten years to complete the station and was named "Victoria Terminus" in honor of the Queen and Empress Victoria. It was opened on the date of her Golden Jubilee in 1887!

109 years later, in 1996, in response to demands by the Shiv Sena and in keeping with the policy of remaining locations with Indian names, the station was renamed by the state government after Chhatrapati Shivaji! On 2nd of July, 2004 the station was nominated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO!

Even after 122 years, some monuments simply take you back in time...

For our 300th post and many more such monuments to be saluted...

silhouette

2009-03-30T10:59:00.000Z

I love taking silhouette shots. I love looking at images that don't really reveal the identity of individuals but at the same time let me know that there is a person out there living this moment just as you and I are...

I took this shot today as I was heading back home after a meeting at Nariman Point. When I look at this shot now, I feel lovely about not knowing who has gotten captured in this photograph but at the same time I feel lovelier that they are a part of us now.

Why do we segregate relations once we know people? How I wish we could all realize that we are a part of each other, unknowingly...

For silhouettes...

nikon

2009-03-29T10:29:00.000Z

Hoardings above buildings amaze me. When I was young, I used to think these brands own these buildings are are so rich that they light up their names in the night. Now, I realize how I used to create stories within myself to my fancy.

I took this shot at Marine Drive today. I won't really get into the advantages and cons of such advertisement strategies but what I would like to say is that this post is dedicated to Nikon - my favorite brand when it comes to cameras!

I wish, hope and pray that I own a really lovely D-SLR Nikon camera sometime soon...

For Nikon...

summer

2009-03-28T10:37:00.000-01:00

...and the summer is back with the sun right above us smiling with its heat for us...

I took this shot today during the late afternoon hours. Its just March and our sweats are making us question the climate. I can just imagine how it'll get next month and in May...however, I'll keep updating!

For summer -- welcome...

art

2009-03-27T09:40:00.000-01:00

It was surprising to locate the Mumbai Khadi Gramodyog Sangh in the city! I had no clue about this residing in the city.

Located on DN Road, this place has authentic Indian wear and wooden artifacts and sculptures, sandalwood idols, cottage industry art, crafts and products. Prices are fixed and there is no bargaining. It is quite a popular place with the tourists who want to pick up regional textiles and crafts.

This reminds me of a lovely place that I visited recently at Ahmedabad called Gramashree. Gramashree's website is not live at the moment but will be soon and I'll update you guys about the same.

For art...

building

2009-03-26T10:19:00.000-01:00

I thought this might be an interesting shot for today. It has been exactly four months since the traumatic event happened in our city which shook everybody up.

Post the event, a lot of us felt similar to this box...a box that was filled from all sides and angles, which was fired at and torn apart. I can feel the weight of this broken, empty box. However, I do know that all of us together would be filling this box once again and be smiling with peace and love...

For building our boxes with each other...

identity

2009-03-25T09:15:00.000-01:00

The black and yellow taxis are synonymous with the city. I took this shot today as I was waiting at the traffic signal in town. I love seeing these taxis on the roads. It gives an identity to the city.

The taxis arrived in the city in 1911 to complement horse wagons. The black and yellow Fiat taxis have been deicted in numerous hindi films. These metered taxis ply throughout the city and have monopoly from Mahim to Churchgate on the Western line and from Sion to Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus on the Central line. Beyond Sion and Bandra, auto rickshaws are not allowed and one has to hire a taxi. However, between Sion to Thane and Bandra to Bhayandar, taxis and autorickshaws ply. A mechanical meter deicides the fare and is proportional to the distances traveled.

For the taxis, one of our identities...

gaylord

2009-03-24T08:56:00.000-01:00

Everybody who loves chocolate and deserts know Gaylord, Churchgate!

I took this shot as I was leaving Gaylord after a quick bite. Apart from delicious chocolates and deserts, Gaylord is also famous for its various ethnic cuisines. At Gaylord, the Mughal fare includes the exotic dishes created specially for the Maharajas, Nawabs and the elite of erstwhile North Indian States. An indisputable effort is made to pamper you in the royal style and the best of Indian traditions. To take on an adventurous gourmet experience this is the place to visit.

One thing I can tell you about this place... you can't go wrong. The immediate appearance doesn't come out as an exquisite one. But the fact that this place has been constantly doing well over 3 decades is a proof of its quality and standard.

Thus, if you are in Churchgate, you know where to stop by.

For Gaylord...

perplexity

2009-03-23T08:20:00.001-01:00

I took this shot today at Marine Drive. It is amazing to see how people stand in front of these tall buildings every day, hoping to reach there some day, just to realize a new set of people taking their places the next moment.

This reminds me of a poem that Javed Akhtar penned which was titled "Uljhan" (Perplexity). The lines that come next are a translation of Javed Saab's Urdu poem in English -

Perplexity

Millions of faces
and following them
millions of faces.
Are these streets or hornets' nests?
The earth is covered with bodies...
No place to walk, no room to squeeze by;
I look at this and think
That I might as well remain
rooted where I am.
But what can I do?
Because I know...
That if I stop,
The crowd behind me
will trample me under its feet and crush me.
So now, as I walk,
Under my own feet is
someone's chest,
someone's arm,
someone's face.
If I walk on,
I shall oppress others;
If I stop,
I shall suffer oppression...
My conscience!
You are so proud of your sense of justice,
So tell me:
What decision have you reached today?

-David Matthews
(for Quiver, an english translation to "Tarkash" by Javed Akhtar)

For this city and this perplexity...

charni road

2009-03-22T08:04:00.001-01:00

I took this shot today outside the Charni Road station, which is a very famous station in the Mumbai Suburban Railways.

The main significance of the Charni Road station is that it is very near to the Girgaum Chowpatti (in fact bang across the street), a major destination for tourists and residents of the South of the city. Normally, residents go for a peaceful walk on the beach. However, like every other place in the city, overcrowding can spoil the feel of the place. It is also important because of the diamond trading industry located here, mainly in the famous Panchratna building near the railway station.

The station derives its name from the fact that the grazing lands for cattle and horses were located nearby in the earlier days.

For Charni Road...

save fuel

2009-03-21T04:32:00.001-01:00

I recently saw an amazing ad on "saving fuel" and thus, when I stopped by a petrol pump today to fill my car up, I had to take this shot!

The ad asks you a simple question - "would you want to waste the entire fuel or save some for your children too?"..."save fuel...means save money"...

Surely something that we need to think about...

For saving fuel...

aquarium

2009-03-20T23:53:00.000-01:00

I took this shot today evening as I was heading towards the station. This is the very famous Taraporevala Aquarium which is the sole aquarium in the entire city.

Built in 1951 at a cost of Rs. 800,000, it hosts marine and freshwater fishes. The aquarium is located on the famous Marine Drive. The aquarium is named after a Parsee who donated Rs. 200,000 for the construction. The aquarium is one of the popular tourist attractions of the city.

There are 100 species of marine and fresh water fish including seven types of coral fish from the Lakshadweep Islands. Attractions include sharks, turtles, rays and moray eels.starting from huge sea turtles to small starfish and stingrays it includes various species. Exhibits offer a glimpse of the variety of marine life in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

It is open from 11am to 8pm on weekdays (including Saturday); and 10am to 8pm on Sundays. The aquarium is closed on Mondays.

This one is surely worth a visit...

For the aquarium...

metro

2009-03-19T23:25:00.000-01:00

As mentioned, I'm going to be coming to this part of the city for the next few days as I have my meetings venued around this area.

I took this shot of one of my favorite theatres of all times - the Metro Cinema (now known as the Metro BIG Cinema).

Metro Cinema is a famous cinema theatre in the city. In 1938, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) acquired the land and built the cinema theatre. The main architect of the cinema was Thomas W. Lamb of New York and D.W.Ditchburn was the associate architect. The Metro Cinema was opened on June 8, 1938and initially exhibited movies made by MGM.

In 1970, the cinema was taken over by the Gupta family and with Indianisation came the era of screening Hindi films and flashy, glittering, star-studded premieres. Raj Kapoor's Bobby set the trend and when RK released Satyam Shivam Sundaram in typical monsoon fury, the guests were delighted when the young Kapoor brothers - Randhir, Rishi and Rajeev - opened their car doors, held umbrellas over their heads and led them inside.

It soon became the Hindi Film Industry's most famous red-carpet theatre. The star presence at Metro becamse so huge that often riot police had to be called in at film premieres.

I'm sure about one thing -- when I have my film releasing, it is surely going to get premiered at Metro.

For Metro, my favorite...

space

2009-03-18T23:13:00.003-01:00

I took this shot at one of the roads in the town side. To be honest, I was wondering about the latest car that is to be launched soon - the Tata NANO.

The registrations for this latest wonder car starts in less than a month from now but what gets me to wonder is how this space that is left will remain the same once this new car gets launched. The city is facing a horrible time when it comes to traffic and according to me this car will only add to the chaos.

However, I'm being optimistic, and hoping that the new government would think of an answer to this question. Now, as I write this, I'm wondering...what am I doing to keep this little space on the road empty for all of us to live in a space that is not chaotic.

For the space, that could get filled very soon...

the one

2009-03-17T22:50:00.001-01:00

tujhse hi hai har ibtida
tujhpe hi hai har inteha
yeh hunar hai tujhme ki noor ho
har ek gully mein suroor ho
yeh saaz o soz, fitrat, dhuaan
nakaab-e-dastaan gulsitaan
meri adaa mein teri dua
meri dua mein teri adaa
yeh zikr-e-ulfat kaafiya
teri nashaao ka silsilaa
main tera hoon pal, tera har lamha
tu meri hai jaan, meri duniya...

(every beginning starts with you
every ending comes ends at you
you have this power to beautify it all
enlighten not one street but all
this tune and sadness, nature and smoke
this story that is masked, a garden of hope
in my expressions be your prayers
and be your expressions in my prayers
these poems which mention of love
these stories of your madness
I am your second, your every moment
you are my life, my world...)

An uncle of mine said, "It's not that I don't love songs on love...its just that I read love songs with the Almighty as my love"...

How unique would each one be if we see the Almighty in all whom we love...

For the one...

he

2009-03-16T22:39:00.000-01:00

I took this shot after my meeting at Churchgate today. I need to keep coming here for the next few days, thus I'm guessing I'll show you this part of the city, which I haven't shot much, in the next few days.

I took this shot at the M.G.Road signal. This is one of the junctions where the terrorists of 26/11 open fired, killing innocent people of the city.

I really wish for the safety of this man and his family and all the people he is not looking at as he stands at the signal with his papers tied up. I wish for his safety and love to be intact as my wishes, hopes and prayers would be easy to access as compared to people realizing peace, love and unity in this world...

For him and the entire world which is like him, hoping to live each day to the fullest...

people

2009-03-15T22:34:00.000-01:00

It was amazing to be at the Marine Drive today in the evening, where I took this shot.

The sun seemed just about perfect to capture these people who spent their evening sitting by the sea, with their friends and family...

How often do we remove time for our friends and family to make them realize (once again) that we care for them, that we admire them, that we love them! If you haven't helped your loved know how much you love him/her today, rush to him...

For all the people whom we love...

break

2009-03-14T22:15:00.001-01:00

I took this shot from a building at Vile Parle where I had gone for a meeting today.

This man stopped by a sugarcane juice vendor and sat down to have a glass of the delicious juice.

I don't mean to get judgemental but when I saw this man, for a second I was forced to think -- we drive in cars that have ac to avoid us from the heat; we buy juices, aerated drinks whenever we feel like; we keep drinking water at regular intervals to keep ourselves fit...but have we ever thought of a few people who might not have seen even a drop of water since quite some time...have we ever thought of a few individuals who work really hard and stop by a roadside juice vendor, thinking twice before asking the vendor to prepare a juice for him...have we ever thought, just for a second, about our fellow citizens...

How about just removing a few minutes everyday and thinking about what you could do to improve the lives of the people you look around?

For a break from yourself to your neighbor, your brother...

entrances

2009-03-13T21:53:00.002-01:00

I love this place!!
I took this shot at the entrance of Candies, Pali Hill - one of my favorite hang-out joints!

The entrance of this Candies is what appeals to me the best. It gives me a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that I'm entering a space which is going to make me feel fresh by the time I leave this restaurant.

Imagine having entrances to spaces which would compel you to smile and walk ahead...imagine having entrances to moments which would compel you to live and love...imagine having entrances to lives which would compel you to unite and breathe in peace...

For entrances that can open zillions of new doors at every step of life...

celluloid

2009-03-12T02:24:00.002-01:00

A few days ago, I had mentioned about the Yash Raj Studios and how this is a dream place to be at for every film lover! I got a chance to go there again today!!

I had to make a quick trip there this morning to meet somebody for half hour. And, as I was leaving I took this shot. This is one of the walls of the stairs that lead to all the actors' green rooms! This wall completely took me to a world that probably only Yash Chopra can take one to! It got back all the moments of the silver screen which probably define modern Hindi Cinema!

It has actors right from Shashi Kapoor to Sanjeev Kumar to Amitabh Bachchan to Rekha to Sridevi to Rishi Kapoor to SRK to EVERYBODY! It's always said that you are not complete as an actor if you haven't worked with Yash Chopra...I second this comment completely!

I quietly left with an ear to ear smile on my face after clicking this shot...yes, lots of thoughts featuring in my brain at the moment!;-)

For the celluloid...

PS - I'm off to Goa in a bit...!!!

holi

2009-03-11T02:16:00.001-01:00

Today is Holi - the festival of colors!
This shot was taken by Ruhie from the bus as the fast moving vehicles form their own colors for the camera, with their lights! I thought this would've been an interesting shot for today...

Holi is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before, also known as Holika Dahan (death of Holika) or Chhoti Holi (little Holi). The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad had when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion.

Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalugna (Phalgun Purnima), which usually falls in the later part of February or March.

This festival is all about love, happiness, colors, and smiles...

For Holi...

lensman

2009-03-10T02:03:00.000-01:00

Taking interesting shots has always excited me. It gives me a high completely!
I took this shot at the new PVR Theatres that have opened up at Parel's Phoenix Mills.

I think the ambiance of this theatre is just perfect for any movie buff...especially, these windows that form one of the walls of the space!! For all film buffs in the city, I would totally recommend this theatre to watch any film...

For the lensman, that I want to be known as...;-)

pause

2009-03-09T18:57:00.003-01:00

So as I got back from Hampi this morning, tired and exhausted but still awake, I saw this tree standing in one corner of Sion, staring at me and asking me to notice it!

The summers are on it's way! The heat is increasing by the day! And amidst all of this, I stood and took this shot in one corner of the road that leads from Sion! Apologies for not being able to post from Hampi, but as mentioned the internet access from there was very minimal...and we were dead packed on schedule too! The Global Lives Project India shoot is done! We're 7 down now in the project! You could log on here to keep getting updated from this part of the globe!

I'm back in the city now...but only for two days, after which I head to Goa with my family...(probably the first family trip after ages!!)...

For the pause in travels...

journeys

2009-03-04T08:57:00.003-01:00

I took this shot outside my office today evening as I was heading towards the bus stand at Sion to catch a bus with my producer, Kumar, co-producer, Ruhie and co-director, Vishal, for Hampi for the much awaited shooting of the Global Lives Project - India!

This cycle reminded me of just the state that we are in at the moment! We're ready with all our equipments, check-lists, pre-production notes, preparations...and are ready to ride the path for experiencing a journey of a lifetime!

When I've spoken to people about this project, they have appreciated the thought a lot! When I tell them that we are the team doing the shoot for India, their eyes get bigger! How I wish more of such ideas can get the eyes of people going bigger till a point when they realize that they need get up and act too!

For journeys...

PS - Pardon me again, but I might not have access to the internet on all days. But, I promise to keep you updated as and when I get access...

school

2009-03-03T08:41:00.000-01:00

I was passing by Versova when I took this shot outside a public school.

These parents were eagerly waiting for their kids to come out of the school so that they could be taken back home. The weird part about this entire scene was that these parents caused a reasonable traffic jab on the road and the vehicles were honking indicating that they should either move inside or stand in discipline! How ironical it is to see such a scene outside a space which teaches discipline!

For the schools...

silence

2009-03-02T07:58:00.000-01:00

I've suddenly created this fascination to keep clicking trees, barks, leaves with the backdrop of the sky! Try this out - as you are walking or driving or jogging, try checking out the sky through the leaves of the trees...and as you get closer to them, you would realize that they are speaking in silence with you!

I took this shot at Andheri today as I was going to office. Leaves and trees with the company of the sky seems to connect me with them...with some kind of a weird but pleasant silence within!

For the silence...

beauty

2009-03-01T06:57:00.000-01:00

Ok, I know my apologies will not be accepted, but I really cannot explain how hectic life has been!

I happened to go to Candies, Pali Hill today. This is one of my all time favorite places! I had always observed this Buddha residing right outside the entrance with these candles lighting up the space even more, but never clicked it!! Today, as I got some breather time, I took this shot!

Guys, I know some of you are upset that this space is not being updated on daily...but I promise, we'll be back on track with a bang!! Please excuse us for these few days!!:)

For beauty...

zakir - the ustad

2009-02-26T07:07:00.001-01:00

I happened to be at Prithvi Theatre today evening as I was having our production meetings, and I realized about Ustad Zakir Hussain performing the memorial concert at the theatre!!:) I rushed to the box-office to check out for the tickets but as expected, they were all sold out and there were at least a thirty people standing in line before me hoping to get passes from somewhere!

The good thing, however, was what the theatre did for the people sitting outside at the cafe! They put up a big screen where the cafe visitors could see the entire concert! I was happily glued to my seat at the cafe!!

How was it? - Do I even need to mention?

For the Ustad...

frames

2009-02-24T21:09:00.000-01:00

It might sound a bit out of the way but it is true! Since yesterday, the shots that I have taken have had a deeper meaning and story to them.

I took this shot today at the Ganesh Chowk of D.N.Nagar, Versova. This locality stands outside the Versova Police Station. I was entering this locality to meet somebody. As I was about to enter the building from it's backside, I happened to stop seeing the condition of the building. The area behind the building was filled with mud, broken stones, old half-bricks, a few half grown plants and plastic and other wastes spread across short footsteps. When I saw this sight from where I was standing, I was wondering what kind of a building this was...

But, when I entered the locality and met whom I was to meet, I also happened to see the others in this locality interact with each other. I happened to see how open the people staying here were with each other. I happened to feel the love, the purity, the brotherhood with with the residents lived here. It looked like a picture perfect...similar to the ones we read about in books or see in films...

For the frames, that look best with raw colors...

work

2009-02-23T20:58:00.001-01:00

I took this shot at Khar today morning as I was leaving from Kumar's place, where I stayed back last night.

To be honest, I was surprised in the beginning to see a sight like this where the vegetable vendors formed their "stores" on the footpath...with the little vegetables that they have to earn them a few rupees this morning! But, a moment later, when I saw the customers coming in, stopping by, bargaining the prices, and finally the vendors selling a few of their vegetables, I could just smile and leave quietly. (apologies for not being able to capture these moments)

Work, whether in a high-level MNC or at the footpath, is work that is got to be done. If we simply smile and live the moments, everything seems so simple, so beautiful, so close to complete...

For work, that we must smile at and embrace...

marketing

2009-02-22T20:48:00.000-01:00

Now that is what I call marketing! There was this Rolls Royce that stood outside The Mobile Store outlet at Matunga! Maithili took this shot of the car as it stood outside at one corner of the road...having all the people pass by stare at it and looking back at it as they pass.

One of my favorites, Sir Branson, never leaves any drop left in making his products felt! Virgin hasn't really done that well in this city as such...but I can surely say their promotions, ad-films, and activities have surely gathered the attention of many...

For the marketing strategies that amaze me...

pani

2009-02-21T20:36:00.001-01:00

I took this shot near the Mulund area of the city. I was waiting at the signal as I saw this pump in the middle of the street (on the divider, to be specific) which was letting water flow out and there was no stopping.

This sight reminded me of Shekhar Kapur wanting to make his most ambitious project, Paani, which dealt with the fact of how serious a problem water would become in the near future! "We have forgotten to worship water" says Shekhar Kapur in his notes for the film...and how very true is that! We've forgotten how important this fluid is...how aimlessly and carelessly we're wasting it all over.

I like what Shekhar Kapur has written in another note of his -

"Every year, over 500,000 children in India never reach the age of 5 because of water-related diseases like diarrhea, gastroenteritis, hepatitis. Over 300 million Indians have no access to toilets. Already, 224 million Indians live in water stress. About 70% of irrigation needs and 80% of municipal water supplies come from groundwater sources. However, depleted aquifers and lowered groundwater tables mean that this is no longer sustainable. It has been estimated that by as early as 2020, India’s demand for water will exceed ALL sources of supply.

Can we make a difference?"

Can we?

For paani, that we need to begin respecting...

actions

2009-02-20T20:26:00.001-01:00

I took this shot today at the Andheri Bridge while I was returning from office in the evening.

As much as I love my city, I do not really like the people who have "officially" vowed to take care of this city! This sign board was/is filled with dust all over it and was leaning on to the street lamp...almost counting it's last days...

I know this space is to show the beauty of the city...and no wonder this imperfection also is beautiful...but I just wish all of us just focus on our responsibilities and actions. Imagine, this place, this space would've been so much more prettier...

For the actions, that need to still act...

temple

2009-02-19T20:07:00.001-01:00

This shot was taken today by Maithili, at Matunga, outside her college.

I've always observed such stalls selling similar garlands standing together outside temples. These stalls stand outside the numerous South Indian temples that reside in Matunga since ages.

It is really amazing to see how so many people come here everyday and make their presence felt in front of the creator...and secretly pray a wish...and quietly leave with the hope of it all coming true. Why do we remember the creator only at the time of need? How I wish we remember ourselves more often...

For the temples, that were created by worshipers...

airport

2009-02-18T18:50:00.001-01:00

Vishal took this shot today at the airport as he was getting back from Chennai.
The airport always amazes me...firstly, because I love to travel and secondly, because I love to see people traveling!

The city's airport has turned out to be really nice which makes it much more fun to be at.
It's weird how people keep traveling every moment, if not physically, simply mentally! And, sometimes, they travel so much that they fail to forget that they are not really where they think they are...

For the airport...

beginning

2009-02-17T20:37:00.003-01:00

I come back to a few of my favorite questions - is the glass half poured or half empty, is the sun rising or settling down, is that man climbing up the mountain or coming down?

This shot, taken at mahalaxmi today, takes me back to such questions! I took this shot at one of the localities of Mahalaxmi from where I was passing today. This cloth was hung between two poles and I'm guessing a mother puts her baby to sleep on this. With the sun behind, it just seemed perfect! Indeed, the sun sees all of us and gives light to all of us, whether in small proportions or big...

It is so lovely to see the various kinds of beginnings that you get to see! A mother begins her day by waking her child from this hand-made baby-cloth (pun for baby-cot) and at the same time it the same sun that begins its day by giving the same amount of light (visually) to all. This takes me back to the questions asked at the start.

For beginnings, that always end the endings...

discipline

2009-02-16T20:13:00.003-01:00

I know I feel bad posting this shot that I took at Malad, but I just couldn't help it! I had to take this shot and I had to post it as I was feeling horrible about this sight!

The auto rickshaw that I was sitting in was on halt at a traffic signal as I saw this man on the other side of the road, stopping his car and casually answering his nature's call! As I shouted out to this man, he seemed least bothered to respond initially. After a few seconds, he realized he was being called and immediately avoided looking at me and rushed to his car!

This city is beautiful...but I wonder why some residents don't want to keep it that beautiful! PLEASE let this city be the way it wants to be...

For the discipline that we take for granted...

work

2009-02-15T19:29:00.002-01:00

I always wonder why we get so caught up with work that we don't get to appreciate every individual's work. This shot was taken by Vishal at Dadar as some workers climbed up these bamboo rods to get this building painted.

Work is never small or big - it just needs to be appreciated to scale it in the right proportions! I can remember, as I write this, what Nipun said earlier this week - "work can never be wrong...just do it sincerely whether it is minting big bucks or simply pinning up your papers!"...I've never really taken a few seconds out and actually appreciated what such people work on...I guess, its the calling for a new act of gratitude?!

This post me of this song from Taare Zameen Par, btw...

For work...

love

2009-02-14T19:15:00.009-01:00

Today is the day for everybody! Today is the day for love!

I love Valentine's Day...especially because I feel everyday is Valentine's Day! I took this shot at the Reclamation area of the city where this young couple seemed to be happy in love! I wish everybody a very Happy Valentine's Day and wish you guys love, happiness and smiles throughout!!:) May you be loved throughout and spread love and smiles all around...

On this day, for all the lovers, I'd like to post one of my favorite poems that some young boy wrote at the Trevi Fountain, Rome on one Sunday evening -

a moment

I would've come here for a wish
that could become true;
I would've got lost in this world
that is so free and so new;
I would've seen beyond things
that look so acute;
I would've re-written
this unforgotten route;
But the question does remain
and is pretty quiet -
Do I want things
to be easy and so right?
I am just waiting all through this
and living all these moments,
I am not wishing any wish today
by throwing these little cents;
Life is beautiful just the way it is!

I'm going to be free
and just live it...just be...
I don't need a wish for you
or a cent or destiny;
All we need is a moment,
a moment from life
where you will see
the love;
the love that stays in me...

For love...