It was the first time in my life, that I took to the streets of Karachi with my camera.. photographing the sights and sounds of my city – the city of lights!

Am a huge fan of Humans of Karachi and these are humans I met on my trip. I couldn’t help but photograph them.. and most of them happily posed.

Karachi is such diverse mix of ethno-linguistic groups from all parts of Pakistan. It is home to more than 16 million people. It was amazing to talk to a few of these random people that we normally see on the streets and just ignore.. a very humbling experience for me indeed.

This my tribute to the people of Karachi. I hope you enjoy the gallery of pictures and some of their little stories.  (Click on each picture to see the descriptions)

Meera.. the wife of the caretaker of FreeMasons Lodge, Karachi. Meera had some very interesting stories to tell as her family has been living on the grounds of the lodge for more than 100 years.

She had the funny hindi movie cliche to tell me and said.. “Meray husband ka naam Jeevan….Mera naam Meera… You know Meera- Jeevan? Jaise Mera -Jeevan? “

The Parathay Waala…While my camera was focusing on his paratha making skills and the parathas.. my sister realized that he was posing.. expecting to be clicked..

So I asked him and he posed! 🙂

The Anday Waala.. one of the many vendors in Empress Market, Karachi.

The Dry Fruit Waala.. who was so shy to look into the camera and preferred to look away.

The Book Waala… the owner of one of the oldest book stalls in Karachi

The Papad Waala.. This kid was selling papads at Seaview and when I asked him for a picture.. not only did he happily pose.. but became my guide and self appointed spokesperson. He stayed with me talking to the other street vendors on my behalf.. 🙂

The Saanp waala.. He was happy to be clicked but was insisting that I return the favor by watching the snake show.. which my kids did after they returned from their horseback riding..

The Saanp Waala

The Chai Waala with an attitude…. When I asked him if I could take a picture.. he froze for me..

I asked him to smile and this was his smile 🙂

The Taffee (Candy)Waala… A young man, who was initially shy but eventually gave me a wonderful smile..

The Gol Guppay Wala.. Seeing all the fuss around a woman with a camera.. asked me “Baji, aik humari bhi le lo..”

And so I did.. happy guy!

The Oont(Camel) Waala.. The angry young man with the looks!