Yeh Zindagi ke Mele...

चर्च  का  गेट  है 
चर्च  है  लापता 
ई है बम्बई नगरिया
तू देख बबुआ

Remember the line from AB's rocking number of original "Don"? 

Well, such is the case with another landmark area: Kala Ghoda, a precinct where  "Kala Ghoda" - the black stallion - is conspicuous more by its absence.

Those interested in trivia of our city, here is the history behind this name - Kala Ghoda:

The place was so named because of presence of a black stone statue of King Edward VII mounted on a horse that was commissioned somewhere in mid 19th century by Jewish businessman and philanthropist Albert Abdullah David Sassoon. 

Of course, as the city developed and got crowded, in order to get more space perhaps, the statue was in mid sixties shifted to Rani Baag - the zoo at Byculla. However, the statue had existed here long enough for people to colloquially name the precinct after it; and we continue to call it so even after it was removed.

Last few years have brought the name again in lime light because of the annual art festival held here ‪#‎KalaGhodaArtFestival‬ (‪#‎KGAF‬) - a must visit experience for everyone. 

There exists a palpable energy, an endless eclectic mix of varied sights & sounds and the attractive art-works & ideas that reflect the themes trending in the society currently - in other words, a Kaleidoscope of humans. More than that what it offers is a unique experience for those interested in street photography. 

Here are a few of the captures from 2015 edition of this festival through my ‪#‎Canon7D‬.

As the setting Sun, behind the clouds turns the historic buildings of the precinct into a silhouette, let me unveil a few of them for you. 

The building in the far background is of-course the signature of Mumbai University - Rajabai Tower. The building with an expansive decor is well- known Army Navy Building - currently used by Tata group. 

However, it is the non-descript building on its right whose current status belies its rich past. This is Esplanade Mansion - formerly known as Watson Hotel - the swankiest hotel in the city in late 19th century. Apart from it being India's oldest surviving Cast Iron building, more interesting information - specially for the movie-buffs, is this being the first building in India to screen Lumière Brothers' Cinematographic invention - in 1896.

Coming back to the festival itself, amidst the kaleidoscope of moving images, you find a lot many who seem to be looking for inspirations, like this old man.. 





..  there are many who are trigger-happy, just like me, except they also create captivating sights  




Surely, befitting the reputation of this city of dreams,  it attracts those who are aspiring to be part of the Wall of Fame.. and find inspiration over here, just a cut above Khushwant Singh & Salvadore Dali, proving..
ख़ुशी हादसा है, ग़म हादसा है
हक़ीक़त भुला कर, हरेक भागता है

Not everyone has the opportunity for this short cut though. Amidst the crowd of revellers, you can not but stop noticing someone like her - prettier also, surrounded by glittering ornaments. Since all that glitters is not Gold, her melancholic look makes the overall sight so  poignant.




In another corner of the fair, the wheel of the pottery maker moves on, just like life. Every one tries their hand, yet few remember Kabir's 
माटी कहे कुम्हार से , तू क्या रौंदे मोहे 
एक दिन ऐसा आएगा , मैं रौंदूंगी तोहे




Of the variety of sights on streets here, what I love to capture the most are  the reflection of the city around in the bubbles. The light, as it moves through these bubbles, add rainbow colours, turning even the dreariest images into enigmatic ones. 

Surely, bubbles have very short life unless... it is related to the building in the background - towering over Rhythm House & the city. Here life span of bubbles change with the rhythm of the nation. No wonder, the graffitti on the outer wall of Rhythm House act as a reminder to underscore the essential of growth - Think & Feel comes before you Make.. and only when you do not forget to Share.

There are many more captures, but rather than crowding the blog here, let me showcase it here: "Yeh Zindagi Ke Mele"  &

"Yeh Bhi Zindagi ke Mele" at Facebook.

Also, when you visit, please do like the page for the regular updates.