Despite being harassed and intimidated, legendary photographer Mary Ellen Mark spent 10 years trying to take photos on Falkland Road. Scroll through to see more images from the late photojournalist's newly reissued book "Falkland Road: Prostitutes of Bombay."
Despite being harassed and intimidated, legendary photographer Mary Ellen Mark spent 10 years trying to take photos on Falkland Road. Scroll through to see more images from the late photojournalist's newly reissued book "Falkland Road: Prostitutes of Bombay."
Mary Ellen Mark
Several times a day the madam and her girls have tea, which is brought in from cafes and vendors on the street.
Several times a day the madam and her girls have tea, which is brought in from cafes and vendors on the street.
Mary Ellen Mark
A young woman and her customer photographed by Mary Ellen Mark.
A young woman and her customer photographed by Mary Ellen Mark.
Mary Ellen Mark
Nepalese girls waiting for customers at one of Falkland Road's brothels.
Nepalese girls waiting for customers at one of Falkland Road's brothels.
Mary Ellen Mark
Late afternoon on Falkland Road.
Late afternoon on Falkland Road.
Mary Ellen Mark
Trans sex workers getting dressed in a courtyard.
Trans sex workers getting dressed in a courtyard.
Mary Ellen Mark
Falkland Road's infamous cages, where sex workers were displayed to passersby and potential customers.
Falkland Road's infamous cages, where sex workers were displayed to passersby and potential customers.
Mary Ellen Mark
"The girls use a lot of powder to lighten their skin — light skin to them is more beautiful," Mark writes in her book. "I was often asked. "Why do you always photograph dark-skinned girls?"
"The girls use a lot of powder to lighten their skin — light skin to them is more beautiful," Mark writes in her book. "I was often asked. "Why do you always photograph dark-skinned girls?"
Mary Ellen Mark
Nepalese girls taking an afternoon nap.
Nepalese girls taking an afternoon nap.
Mary Ellen Mark
Two girls sit with their arms around each other.
Two girls sit with their arms around each other.
Mary Ellen Mark
Early morning in the Olympia Café.
Early morning in the Olympia Café.
Mary Ellen Mark
A young woman and a child seen reflected in a mirror. During the day, the women stay in their rooms, sleep, sew, play with children, cook on the floor. "It is all very much like normal Indian family life," said Mark.
A young woman and a child seen reflected in a mirror. During the day, the women stay in their rooms, sleep, sew, play with children, cook on the floor. "It is all very much like normal Indian family life," said Mark.
Mary Ellen Mark