The unseen India: Photos by Steve McCurry

Q According to your biography after years of freelance work you decided to travel all the way to India What inspired you to take this decision to head across to a faraway landA I had been photographing parts of Africa Latin America Europe the Middle East and India was a part of the world that I hadnrsquot yet been to I knew it was vast and there would be so much to see and respond to so I felt drawn to it not only as a photographer but as a travellerAn elderly man from the Rabari tribe Rajasthan India 2010 Pic CourtesySteve McCurryQ Did you have any preconceived notions about India If yes then how and in what manner were these impressions changed to something else if at allA I knew India was a densely populated country but I had no comprehension of it until the moment I stepped off the plane I was immediately struck by the number of people everywhere and while my first impression was one of shock I wasnrsquot prepared for the feeling of magnificence that it evoked It felt both chaotic and connectedA boy in midflight in one of the narrow alleyways in the Blue City at the foot of Mehrangarh fort north of Jodhpur Rajasthan 2007Father and daughter on Dal Lake Srinagar Kashmir 1996Q Your photographs of India reflect a different refreshing outlook when compared to clicheacutes that we come across at times with international photographers Tell us about the experience of capturing India each time you visitedA Each time I return I fall in love with India all over again Itrsquos one of best places to travel as a photographer because there is so much variety in terms of religion ancient traditions festivals and geography I have gone back more than 80 times and am always finding inspiration and something new to experience and capture Irsquove done stories on train journeys the monsoon the dynamic city of Mumbai and many others and I know there are still so many stories to be toldDust Storm Rajasthan India 1983Q As a photographer what are some of the challenges that its diverse landscape and burst of colours put forthA The challenges are no different than anywhere else but having patience is the key to a successful image especially when there is so much colour and so many extraordinary visuals to take in Irsquove planted myself in one spot for hours waiting to get that shot that seems almost impossible and it is always worth it to take that extra timeYoung girl walking past a movie posterWomen climb up stepwellsQ What are your lasting memories of India mdash its people or places that have left an indelible impression on youA I find the people to be some of the most outgoing warm and inviting people on the planet The richness and depth of culture in India is unsurpassed and celebration is abundant exuberant dramatic and colourful There is a vital spirit that is alive and continuously connected to the ancient history of the country In terms of specific places Rajasthan Gujarat Ladakh and Kolkata are extraordinary spots where I want to return toThis photograph recorded in 1983 shows the contrast between a mighty technology mdash the steam locomotive mdash and the transcendent aesthetic of the Taj Mahal with its lightreflecting surfaceTailor in Monsoon Porbandar India 1983 Pics CourtesySteve McCurryQ Is there any region or community in India that is on your wish list to documentA In some ways I feel that no matter how many times I have visited India I have just scratched the surface There is an infinite number of stories and places I hope to photograph as I return over and over againSteve McCurryLog on to wwwmiddaycom for a slideshow of Steve McCurryrsquos imagesALL PHOTOS COURTESY STEVE MCCURRY