I take selfies too, says man behind Afghan girl photo

Famous for clicking one of the most recognizable photographs on the planet, the Afghan Girl, Steve McCurry has had a long relationship with India. The sexagenarian with a sprightly gait, who says that travelling to India is "an education in humanity", was recently in Delhi for the launch of his latest book, 'India'.
You've been documenting India since 1978.What attracts you to the country?
India for me is fascinating, a learning experience. There is always something new, unexpected. It is an education in humanity. Indian culture, the religions, the communities - all of it has such a depth of culture. There are some living in an ultra-modern world while some in villages still use ancient rituals. This is like the one stop-shop in terms of getting everything, from culture to geography. The mountains, the rainforest, skiing in Gulmarg… I think I have only seen a fraction of the country.
Do you think the Afghan Girl is your best picture?
I never differentiate between pictures. I didn't think it would end up on the cover of the National Geographic. You take a picture and move on. However, no other image got me attention that Afghan Girl got me. It is an image that goes beyond me. It is extremely rare to get a picture that transcends photography and become a cultural symbol.
You travelled through Afghanistan in 1979, in disguise. Have you been back recently?
I haven't been there in five years. Though I will visit again in March. No more disguises. People know you are a foreigner and a photographer. It is different now.
Are you interested in covering conflict zones like Syria?
I now want to do other things. It is an important story, but better luck to somebody else. I was never a war photographer. I was interested in stories, the people who were affected. I did find myself in dangerous situations, but that was never my objective.
How do you make self-conscious subjects forget that you are around?
Initially people pay attention but after 10 minutes they go back to their work. You just have to wait for them to forget you. Now with the Internet things are different in India. I am not exotic anymore. It is a good thing, there used to be a time when if I went to a village, I was the source of entertainment.
Any checks that you put on yourself as a photographer?
You have to be respectful. If people don't want you to photograph, you have to respect that. I think everything is fair game unless it is illegal. With religion, people are very emotional. I've never said to myself I shouldn't shoot that.
You have done a Pirelli calendar, what was that experience like?
You have to experiment with new things and not take yourself seriously. For Pirelli, I don't know why they approached me. But it was a great way to show professional models who did humanitarian work.
What do you think of selfies?
I think the selfie generation is cool. I take selfies too. It is great to go back and see the good time you have had. It could get weird if taken to an extreme.
Your latest book has 140 photographs, many of which have been seen before. Is there anything new?
I think this is my best work. I was reluctant to leave out any pictures I have taken in India just because they were seen before. I could have done a book saying 'new work' or 'unseen'.