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Look for these talented differently abled musicians on Mumbai's local trains
Updated On: 21 July, 2024 10:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeevni Iyer
The next time you board a local, watch out for these talented differently abled musicians
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Irshad Sheikh, a disabled musician, plays his flute amid the chaos of Dadar station. Pic/Ashish Raje
They are often perceived as beggars, but in reality, they are classically trained and custodians of a rich musical legacy,” said Hemlata M Tiwari, founder of Swaradhar, a non-profit organisation that provides a platform for train bards. “Most physically or visually impaired artistes are well-educated and trained formally in music. Moreover, they perform a variety of distinct songs, far from the stereotypically portrayed Pardesi Pardesi or Shirdi-wale Sai Baba.”
They’ve entertained your commute, or soothed your wait at platforms, with bhajans, Bollywood hits and bhajans such as Mere jhopdi ke bhaag khul jaayenge toh ram aayenge. Some days, they busk for over eight hours. “When life becomes difficult, playing on the trains is our last resort to fulfil responsibilities,” says Chetan Patil, a dholki player. He is a frequent performer from Swaradhar, and the founder of the band, Surshayri.
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