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There were lot of invites and requests from Anjumans and organizers but it was physically not feasible, I still cant believe I made it to Mira Road.
I did not miss most of the Juloos in my area, I document the rigors of being a believer of Shiasm, the pain , the overwhelming intensity of Ghame Hussain.
I look like a Shia for two month eight days as I only dress in black, or tiger prints.
I dont wear white or even gray for that matter.
But after Idd e Zehra I will become colorful, totally saffronised Shia Pandit, this term was used to mock me because I shoot a lot of Hindu feasts and festivities , but now I like the term as it has entrenched my Hindustani Shia soul.
I remember people accused me of being in the pay of Hindus, if such was the case some Hindu organization would have bought me a new latest Nikon camera.
I use a defective Nikon D80 and my Canon G 9 was stolen on 9 Moharam at Moghul Masjid surroundings.
I shoot Hinduism as I capture the positive energy of my cultural inheritance and even yours as a secular Indian..I owe this much to my mother country..
I shoot Christianity a community, that gave me so much, this English language a bit of finesse in terms of social behavior..
And of course Lucknow Adad and Tezhzeeb came from my mothers womb her father Daroga Nabban Saab was a descendant of poet Mir Anis of Lucknow.
I have several gurus from whom I have picked a path to my quest of mutual peaceability..
My Naga Sadhu Guru Shree Vijay Giri Maharaj, from Juna Akhada ,has great respect for Imam Hussain and the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain..so this love binds us beyond any religiosity.
I shoot the Kumbh out of respect to the country that has made me what I am.
I shoot the Hijras and transgenders , because my Hijra Guru Laxmi Narayan Tripathi is another person, who with her vast knowledge of Islam also inculcates the love of Imam Hussain..and who touches Imam Hussain thereby touches my soul too.
I shoot Sufism ,because the few words on Bulund Darwaza of Khwajah Ajmeri could soften any human heart.
Shah ast Hussain, Badshah ast Hussain
Deen ast Hussain, Deen Panah ast Hussain
Sardad na dad dast, dar dast-e-yazeed,
Haqaa key binaey La ila ast Hussain
Yes I also shoot the commercial areas of Mumbai, because in this heartland of a woman’s depravity , a woman’s neglect, live , those wretched women that society has not given a second chance..I have met devout women among them, who give up the trade during Ramzan..Yes for their devotion I would kiss this sisters hand.
Most important form of holistic healing is tolerance and respect for the underprivileged.
I dont sell my pictures , never needed to being a business man self made man ..thanks to the blessings of my parents and well wishers above all my Muslim Hindu and Christian friends.
During Ashura the Hijras feed the poor,and the person that influenced me the most was Shia Hijra known as Bulund Shaher, she wore black during Moharam,fought fiercely for Imam Hussain, and continued with her Tablike Hussain..
I was told she died recently. I was shocked at her irreparable loss..
The Shias of Mumbai ..they are the finest , law abiding citizens, no bigotry, no narrow mindedness, they are a source of inspiration to the soul of the city of Mumbai.
They lead from the front, without appeasement, without financial support they have worked hard to be what they are..
Rich poor underprivileged among Shias is held by one common thread Ghame Hussain.
My photo gallery is not to promote any religion or community, I dont believe in conversions ..you cant trade your mothers self respect by changing your faith like you change your clothes.
I thank God for being born in India..that I was born to a Shia family speaks for itself.
I feel Imam Hussain is as close to the hearts of his loved in Mumbai as he is to those around the world.
Yes its true :
Hussain is Humanity
Har Kaum Pukaregi Hamare Hain Hussain
Islam Zinda Hota hai Har Karbala ke Bad
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