that one question

When I was much younger, I did not have the confidence to freely talk to strangers. I was shy but an ambivert with more inclination towards introversion. Until school, I was so comfortable with the few friends I had that talking to anyone else seemed like an uncomfortable task. Going to new places or starting a new journey always made my heart beat unseemingly faster as that meant I would’ve to make new friends. I had this weird theory that if someone I know accompanies me when going to a social gathering or joining a new educational institution, I can easily talk to strangers and make new friends. When I had taken admission in St.Xavier’s College, I learnt that one of my school friends Isha had joined the same college as well. It was a relief, however just momentary. On the admission day, we had to choose between three divisions, A, B and C, all having different subject combinations. I knew Isha, a true Maths scholar, was going to opt for the B division as that was the only division having Maths. Papa was convincing me to take either A or C division because I hated Maths from the bottom of my heart. Even though it was logical, my heart completely rejected that logic. I chose the ‘B’ division so that I could be with Isha and according to my theory be more comfortable around new people. It was a permanent relief this time. To this date, I find the basis of my choice extremely illogical because that compromise put me in a really difficult situation where I thought I would flunk my Maths exam during 12th boards. Well, thankfully, failing was not written in my fate.

In grad college too, a lot of people I previously knew joined the same design college as me. This again put me at ease in an alien city that I was in, Coimbatore. It was only when I started learning about film and practising photography that I started doing solo trips to really random places all across Coimbatore. Time and space change people. I changed too. Living on my own in a hostel gave me confidence to travel alone, explore and to my surprise, I had started enjoying my own company. So much so that sometimes, I hated going out with people especially when I had made plans with me, my camera and the undiscovered awaiting subjects.

When practising street photography, I get to experience and observe immense diversity which I ultimately capture through my camera. This reminds me of the proverb we learnt during an English lesson in school, which is as follows.

‘Variety is the spice of life.’ William Cowper’s poem, “The Task” (1785)

Every person is so unique not only in terms of their outer appearances but also their experiences. I feel when I capture people, I am also capturing their unique stories in the photograph.

I was thinking, when we meet new people, how do we start conversing with them? According to my experiences, at most times, we would get to know the person by asking them certain questions. To some, it may seem like an intrusion but that’s the only direct way we can learn about somebody. Every time I capture a person in my camera, I feel like talking to them and knowing their unique stories. I thought of selecting 10 photographs that I have clicked over time and think about that one question I would like to ask each one of them.

that one question I would ask…

What is the importance of the extensive tilaka on the forehead?

I have seen a lot of South Indian women wearing a tilaka on their foreheads. In fact, when I was doing my internship at an ad production house in Mumabi, we had to shoot a Tamil advertisement for Colgate. At that time, the lead actress was made to wear a bindi with a small white line under that. I never understood the reasons for it.

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Why have you kept a short haircut?

I am curious to know why she would’ve kept her hair this short because I have generally observed women with exemplary long hair in India. Although, I have to admit that she looks adorable in this short hair.

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How do you take care of your little brother?

I could relate a lot to this little girl because I have a younger brother as well and I love him more than anyone!

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What are you looking at?

Children are such curious beings. Observing the world through their eyes is a satisfying feeling.

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How do you both spend time together?

I wonder how two people stay with each other for so many years. I find monogamy eternally cute. (Pigeons are monogamous too!)

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How did you two meet?

I am an admirer for love stories. It love asking couples this question because no two stories can ever be the same.

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How are you living your life?

The woman seems like someone who does not have access to basic facilities. It makes me angry that we are not yet equipped with public bathrooms and toilets. I wish, one day, even people living on the streets can fulfill their basic needs. Of course a more far-fetched dream would be that every human is blessed with a roof over their head.

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What is your secret to happiness?

What is the purpose of living? Happiness? Maybe. At least that’s what was stated by Aristotle. So when I see happy people, it makes me happy and it’s again one of my favorite questions to ask people!

“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” Aristotle

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What do you think about India?

Seeing this young boy salute, reminded me of Indian Armed Forces and I just felt like knowing his opinions about our rich country.

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How did you learn to play the flute?

I often find flute sellers in Matunga, Mumbai. They attract customers by creating soothing music. Also, the display of flutes is so impressive.

Note: All of the above pictures are clicked by Vaibhavi Kodnani (that’s me). They have been photographed in two cities, Coimbatore and Mumbai.

I hope it was a fun read!

Vaibhavi 18.08.2020