A blue-and-gold acrylic-on-canvas painting shows a wedding band returning after procession
Lucknow: Beneath the sparkling golden lights and colourful uniforms of band players who add cheer to weddings and celebrations lies a world of hardship, uncertainty and lost identity.
Shree, who hails from Kolkata, said bandwalas were once an integral part of celebrations during his childhood. I decided to paint them and their preparations,” he said. Sometimes, they are not even offered a meal,” said Shree.
“On every occasion, bandwalas were called and played music. But as I grew up, I noticed the trend was declining as people began organising DJs and keeping occasions simple, without music. A blue-and-gold acrylic-on-canvas painting showed a wedding band returning after a procession, highlighting the hardships faced by band players despite their colourful uniforms. “Many return tired after long hours of work and are often treated poorly.