20 Pictures From Mumbai Locals That Showcase Character, Personality And The Spirit Of Mumbai

If the city of Mumbai was a body, the Mumbai Local would be its spine. The local serves as an unwavering support system for countless dreamers, strugglers, performers and achievers. It represents the city’s fast-paced life, unshakable dedication and enduring spirit.

Photojournalist Anushree Fadnavis in her latest photo series of the Mumbai Local beautifully captures the essence of Mumbai. Check it out:

1. Strike a pose. 

 

2. A crowd full of ambition. 

 

3. Some much needed rest, on the move.

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Comfort #traindiaries

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4. A heartwrenching story.

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Namira. She has albinism. Her family told me she can't see in the day. She gets really tanned outside even if she wears layers of clothes for protection. Her family says she can see only in the night. Thats why she doesn't goto school. I asked them to send her to a night school or to homeschool her but they said that they live very far away from a school for which they have to cross a bridge and go and since has discouraged Namira and her siblings from going to school.And they can't afford to hire someone to come and teach Namira. The family told me that apparently some foreigners had come and were ready to take Namira for a price of Rs.3 lakhs. But the mother said " how can I do that to my own child. How can I let her go. How can any mom ever do that to her kid." I asked why they wanted Namira and she said that the foreigners said that Namira had the same skin colour as theirs. Apparently Namira has been offered to play few roles on a television or film based on Naagin (snakes who can apparently turn into a lady) . I don't know how she manages to get by. Life is difficult anyways but for her I can only imagine how much. I saw her watching outside the window in the dark that night and was wondering what is she seeing , what is she thinking! #traindiaries #everydaymumbai

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5. Beauty amongst everyday’s mundanity. 

 

6. Beauty comes in all forms.

 

7. “Miles to go before I sleep.”

 

8. Serenity. 

 

9. Strangers on a train. Strangers no more.

 

10. Morning musings, perfectly timed.

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Today's visual musings. #traindiaries

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11. An undying love for dessert.

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Zainab, an 8th standard student, poses for a picture in the ladies compartment of the Mumbai local train. I saw her dress and was intrigued. I loved it. So I asked her to pose because it was getting so lost in the crowd. She was with her mom. Arwa ,Zainab 'S mom, was OK with me taking her picture. I explained my project to her and she understood why I am documenting the stories. Arwa and her daughter rarely take the trains. Today they traveled from south Mumbai to North after around ten years. They are not quite used to the crowd and rush. Zainab is a very sweet kid and read really bubbly. Arwa told me that kids love to wear such dresses with cupcakes, donuts and pencils because it makes the dresses more appealing to kids. #traindiaries

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12. Productivity, teamwork… on the move.

 

13. A much needed helping hand.

 

14. Rest easy, cosy.

 

15. Unhindered, free, excited.

 

16. Commuters come in all forms.

 

17. A hint of light, perfectly positioned.

 

18. A little piece of childhood. 

 

19. Fearless, unconstrained, ecstatic.

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#traindiaries Happy world photography day folks 😘

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20. A bit of exciting flavour among the blues. 

The Mumbai local isn’t just a means of transportation. It’s got its own character, a living breathing spirit, the essence of Mumbai.


The pictures have been used with prior permission from the photographer.

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