About the Image(s)

Traditionally, Mumbai’s dabbawalas carried dabbas, the lunch boxes of working men and women, in large wooden trays, as seen in the original reference photo. Over the past few years, they have changed the way they carry them. Now, many balance the dabbas on their shoulders, mainly due to increasing crowds and the growing age of the dabbawalas themselves.

In the photo, despite his age, his sharp glance and ability to carry such heavy loads is what made this picture for me. Because of the crowd around, I had to crop the frame very tight.