Meet the Humans of Bombay founder

When photographer Brandon Stanton started the Humans of New York Facebook page, he probably had no idea how many lives he was going to change. Anyone who follows the page is probably used to seeing people of all ages, races and walks of life, sharing stories that are in equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. But other than showcasing these stories, his project led to the launch of iterations in cities and countries around the world. Starting these iterations may not be so difficult but maintaining them - and making them thrive - is no mean feat. But it is something that Karishma Mehta seems to do with ease.
Unlike Brandon Stanton, the Mumbai resident is not a professional photographer, and her skills with the camera are self-taught. Also, unlike Brandon, who shares lighter one-liners or even pictures of kids in adorable getups ("Today in microfashion"), Karishma's stories often delve deeper, shedding light on India's social issues and people's personal battles. She's also given numerous TEDx talks and is the author of the Humans of Bombay book. Brimming with life lessons at a young age, she tells us her own story:
Prior to the Humans of Bombay project, you had finished studying business and economics from the UK. What led you down this career path?
Although I studied business and economics, I actually have a very diverse background - I've done theatre and studied English at a higher level, and wanted to explore my options. When I came back to Mumbai (from the UK), I wanted some time to figure out what I wanted to do, so I ended up taking a break for about six months to explore my options. It was not an easy phase.
I had started following Humans of New York when I was in the UK and loved their stories - they were relatable. I found that I could connect, sympathise and empathise with the people there. And that's what I wanted to do - create that feeling.
When I moved to Mumbai, on a whim, I checked whether there was a Humans of Bombay page. There wasn't, so I got to thinking 'Why not?'. And that's what pushed me to start the project.
What were your experiences like in the beginning? Were people open to speaking to you?
During my first experience, about nine out of 10 people didn't want to speak to me - fair enough. They were shy. I finally started speaking to one woman when I asked her to tell me her life story. This is someone I had never met before and would never meet again - and we spoke for an hour. That left an impact.
How do you usually approach people? Do you have a way of making strangers comfortable so that they will share more with you?
I usually start with the basic questions. 'Hi, how are you?', 'Where are you from?' etc. I ease them into a conversation and then into a new topic. You have to remember that it is a conversation and not an interview - interviews can be intimidating!
If it is a conversation, do you end up sharing some of your secrets with strangers?
In the beginning, I didn't share. But now, I've had so many experiences and learnt so much that that I'm a lot more open to sharing.
Do you get a lot of people who refuse to talk to you, even today?
All the time! People are suspicious because they believe that everyone has a vested interest and that's fair. But now more people know who we are and that we are celebrating people like them - so they don't shy away from us. These are people who aren't always represented, who aren't on magazine covers. They are from the hidden nooks of the city.
So, you definitely don't believe in the old warning of not talking to strangers.
I would not have a career if I did not talk to strangers!
We all have reservations about people we do not know. But the world is more open now and it is fantastic that, every day, we are able to break the stereotype that strangers are out to get you.
What you're saying is that human beings are all similar? Intrinsically good even?
People are fundamentally so alike, irrespective of their class or social standing. I've found that they all look for one thing and one thing alone - happiness. We all think that getting a bigger car or house or more money will bring us happiness but it won't. There are other things that give people a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose, and that's what they are really looking for.
Mumbai is such a multi-cultural city. Did you face any language barriers when you first started speaking to people?
I speak about four languages and I'm fluent in Hindi, English and Marathi - between these three, I'm mostly covered. I can pretty much talk to a wall.
Having said that, I do have a fantastic team that goes out for shoots and they are so passionate and talented. There are six full-time members in Mumbai and freelancers in Pune, Delhi, etc.
Your team has also dealt with a lot of difficult topics from poverty to domestic abuse - have there ever been any topics or stories that were challenging to talk about?
A number of stories have been difficult to tell. We had to speak to acid attack victims once and their stories were so complex. but they needed to be told. When we put them up, we managed to raise money for them. That is the power of storytelling.
I have noticed that Humans of Bombay is always ready to crowdsource funds or raise money for someone in need. Is this a big part of your ethos?
It is vital. That's how we bring in the human factor and connect with the audience. Anyone and everyone can actually bring a change to somebody's life in a big way. For example, we once interviewed the daughter of a sex worker who had actually got into New York University - but didn't have the funds for her ticket or boarding. We put it up and were able to raise that amount overnight. To date, we have raised about INR5 crores (roughly Dh26,78,270) not only for acid attack victims but also daughters of sex workers, children who require bone marrow transplants, etc. We aren't doing this for accolades - it's about adding value to the world in a real way.
What's the next project waiting in line?
We have a lot of exciting things coming up, as well as a new book that will be released around Diwali. It has stories from all over India and will be very cost-friendly - in the INR500 (approx Dh26) bracket. It's lovely - if you're not in India, it's going to make you want to visit.
Any final advice for people? Perhaps for those who may come visiting?
I'm not very good at advice and I don't think you should rely on others' advice as they will never live your story for you. You are living your own story - listen to your own advice.
janice@khaleejtimes.com