Capturing Mumbai's Soul in His First Photobook

I am a photographer and filmmaker based in Mumbai. My photography journey began with my dad, Melwyn Dsouza, who first introduced me to the art of using his Nikon FM2, and shooting on film. Eventually, I transitioned to using digital SLRs.

Mumbai is my playground—This is where I wander the streets, searching for stories to capture, not just with my eyes but with my camera. Photography, for me, is about freezing a moment in time, then revisiting that image repeatedly, imagining what could happen next within the frame.

My photobook, Mumbai in a Nutshell, is an attempt to capture the vibrant chaos of the city, where vivid colours and untold stories intertwine. Every click of the shutter seizes a fleeting moment, weaving together the narrative of Mumbai’s pulse and its people.

Mumbai, known as Bombay earlier, is where I was born and raised. This city holds a special place in my heart. From exploring its bustling streets to cycling around town and celebrating festivals with friends and family, I have documented the city as I have lived it. While I know I have not yet uncovered all of Mumbai’s wonders, this photobook marks the beginning of my journey to explore, capture, and bring to life the essence of this vibrant city. This is precisely why I chose Mumbai as the topic of my first photobook.

I printed this photobook earlier this year. When closed, it is an A5-sized (148x210 mm) book totalling 32 pages, excluding the cover. The book features 46 images in total. The process, from the initial idea to the final printed photobook, took about 4-5 months. I had to dig through old folders and sift through countless pictures to find the ones that best suited the book.