I met a girl in an alley and she was shy when I pointed the camera at her

Returning to India after 13 years, walking through the streets of Mumbai, one thing struck me more than anything else—how deeply photography has woven itself into everyday life.

Back then, camera phones existed, but they weren’t as widespread. People mostly carried button-operated cell phones, and spotting someone with a DSLR camera was a rarity. But now? Everyone has a smartphone, and taking photos has become second nature.

I felt this shift most vividly while walking through Mumbai’s busy districts. Every now and then, a stranger would approach me with a big grin and say, “Let’s take a selfie!”

People here love selfies—especially with foreign visitors. I lost count of how many times I found myself posing with strangers. The last time I was this much of a photo attraction was when I wore a Mao T-shirt while visiting the Forbidden City.

But the contrast between the bustling city streets and quieter residential areas was fascinating.

In crowded commercial districts, people eagerly pulled me into group selfies. But in the residential neighborhoods, things were different. Here, when I raised my camera, I saw a different kind of reaction—shy yet curious smiles, hesitant but genuine gazes from young girls.

No matter how advanced smartphones become, moments like these remind me that some things remain unchanged in this city.

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