Every person has a story, believes Karishma Mehta, the writer-photographer who launched the iconic photoblog, Humans of Bombay. The founder talks to Travel + Leisure India & South Asia about her nine-year-long entrepreneurial journey, scouring the streets for stories, and more.
Excerpts from the interview with Karishma Mehta:
T+L India: Your first narrative was of an elderly woman who you met at Marine Drive. How did it all begin?
Karishma Mehta: I was 21 at the time. We were walking down Marine Drive asking people if we could speak to them but were constantly rejected. Finally, a widow agreed to talk to us. She had recently lost her husband and was looking to get back to work. That story nudged me to keep learning about people’s lives.
T+L India: Do you feel the pressure of staying relevant to your 4mn plus social media following?
Karishma Mehta: We keep reinventing whether it’s with books or with our latest show How The Hell Did I Do It? But at the core, we’ll remain storytellers.
T+L India: What are some of the challenges you have faced during your entrepreneurial journey?
Karishma Mehta: When I started out, my father would say it’s unsafe to venture out at 8:30-9 pm in the evening to talk to people. Sure, he had his reasons, but I’m stubborn! Life cannot be linear, the challenges make it interesting. They keep you in check or you could succumb to routine.
T+L India: Can you tell us the most memorable story you’ve heard?
Karishma Mehta: I don’t think it’s fair to pick one because everybody’s journey has brought us to this point. Everybody trusted us to share their tale. The interviews with our Prime Minister and Ratan Tata were huge. There was also a story of a woman who fought for six years in court against domestic abuse by her ex-husband.
T+L India: How would you describe Mumbai?
Karishma Mehta: Magic! It is my longest and hardest love story. Even though commuting to work can be tough and rents can make you cry, it’s a strange sort of addiction. I have a very passionate love affair with the city.
T+L India: What kind of traveller are you?
Karishma Mehta: I don’t think I fit into any boxes. Today, I might want to go on a wildlife safari and tomorrow, New York or London. I’m not a hitchhiker or backpacker though. I need everything planned!
T+L India: What are your favourite places for a holiday?
Karishma Mehta: Ranthambore is beautiful and the most understated experience in India. I also love the Maldives. When time permits, I’d like to do a Maldives holiday annually. I also love London. There’s a city in Portugal called Porto, it’s so quaint and beautiful! Within India, Kochi is amazing. Panna is a beautiful forest. Obviously, Goa. I visit it three-four times a year, sometimes ad hoc.
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