Dougie Wallace - Road Wallah

96 pages
Photograph(s) by Dougie Wallace
37 x 28 cm 
Language: English
Hardback
Publisher: Dewi Lewis Publishing
2015

Premier Padmini taxis, first introduced to the streets of Mumbai in the 1960s, have now all but disappeared following the introduction of laws to reduce pollution in the city. Locally known as 'Kaali-Peeli', there were once more than 60,000 of these iconic black and yellow cabs struggling through the chaos of Mumbai's streets.

Over a four year period Dougie Wallace documented these elaborate Bollywood disco bars on wheels. The crowded streets of Mumbai and the assortment of passengers provide a dynamic and intense backdrop, as do the cabs themselves. Many are pimped with large speakers in the boot that blast out Bollywood hits, or are colourfully decorated inside with posters of Bollywood actresses, upholstered in loud hypnotic patterns, or feature Hindu gods and goddess on the dashboard.

Over recent years London-based photographer Dougie Wallace has establised an enviable reputation as one of the leading street photographers not just in the UK but in the World. He is recognised for his expressive social documentary and a distinct and direct style of street photography. As he says; ‘Human behaviour motivates my pictures. People, their interactions and emotions fascinate me… Translating this, through my lens, into social wit, criticism and humorous vignettes is what stimulates me.’