1. You began with wildlife photography - what made you turn your lens towards Mumbai&rsquo;s street vendors?
A great photography mentor and a National Geographic expedition really deepened my love for photography. When it came time to choose my 10th grade personal project, I knew I wanted it to be about photography but also to have meaning. After a lot of brainstorming, the idea clicked - to showcase Mumbai through the eyes of its street vendors. Bringing together my love for photography with the chance to actually help people felt so meaningful and truly satisfying to me.
2. At 16, how did you find the confidence to approach strangers and capture such intimate stories?
At first I was really shy and even a little scared to approach strangers. My mom helped me in the beginning by talking to the vendors, and to my surprise most of them were so warm and excited to have their photo taken. That gave me confidence, and after a few weekends I felt comfortable enough to approach them on my own.
3. Was there one vendor&rsquo;s story that moved you the most and stayed with you?
One story that really stayed with me was an elderly banana vendor I met at Bora Bazar. At first he was hesitant, but then he opened up about his struggles - needing money for a house and his medical bills. Even with so little, he still carried a sense of contentment. Next to him was a cow keeper, who shyly came forward after hearing us talk. She asked if I could help her buy supplies for her cows, so she could save enough to support her son who is unable to speak. Both their honesty and resilience really moved me.
4. Beyond photography, you&rsquo;ve also raised funds and supported vendors directly. What impact have you seen on the ground?
It&rsquo;s still the very early phase of my initiative, so I know I need to spread the word more and build trust that every contribution goes directly to what the vendors need. But even in this short time, I&rsquo;ve already been able to support two vendors, and seeing their happiness and gratitude has been so humbling for me. It makes me want to keep going and grow this further
5. You are transforming this photo project into a 2026 diary which sounds exciting - how do you hope it will take this initiative further?
I&rsquo;m super excited about the 2026 diary because, through my photos, it showcases the vendors who, to me, form the real framework of the city. I want to share them through my lens and get the diary out on as many platforms as possible - whether through word of mouth or other channels - so I can raise more funds and support even more vendors, alongside my monthly initiative of helping 6&ndash;8 of them. Looking ahead, I also hope to release a coffee table book of even more photos of street vendors, next year.
6. How has this journey changed the way you see Mumbai and its people?
This&nbsp; journey has made me see Mumbai so differently. I used to just think of the city as crowds and traffic, but now I notice the faces and the hustle that actually keep it running. Spending time with the vendors has shown me how much honesty and strength there is in everyday life - and it&rsquo;s also made me realize how privileged I am compared to the struggles they go through daily.
7. As a young creative, what do you feel your generation can do to bring about change in the city?
I feel our generation shouldn&rsquo;t try to create change just because it looks good on a resume or to tick off a school requirement. Do something that truly moves you, something you really care about - only then can you make a genuine difference.
8. Do you see photography as your future, or as a medium that will evolve alongside your other passions?
Right now, I definitely see photography as a big part of my future because it&rsquo;s something I love and connect with so deeply. It might not mean my But I also think it will keep evolving with me and my other passions - it&rsquo;s a medium I&rsquo;ll always carry with me, no matter where life takes me
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Teen`s lens shifts from wildlife to Mumbai street vendors, capturing their resilience to drive a direct fundraising and support initiative.

In Conversation with Ahaana Javeri on Giving Voice to the City’s Unsung Heroes

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In Conversation with Ahaana Javeri on Giving Voice to the City’s Unsung Heroes

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Mid-Day Fast