No stage to perform, street artistes take up odd jobs

Lockdown has worsened what was already a difficult existence; they are now planning to set up an exclusive village

A lack of recognition from the government and repeated lockdowns have led to several street performers of the Capital take up odd jobs to sustain themselves. While the artistes — who were earlier residents of the Katputhli Colony — maintained that the scenario was bleak even before the pandemic, the various lockdowns have only deteriorated their lives. Ishamudin Khan, a street magician who has performed across the globe, said that there were dedicated arenas for such performers elsewhere but in India they are treated as “beggars.” “The condition is terrible and the lockdown has only increased their troubles. In the past 70 years, no institution has added our profession as fine arts or arts. In India we are called beggars. This is also why we were simply put under the EWS category. Where are the Ministries of culture, tourism, social justice and empowerment? Several have been forced to become autorickshaw drivers or garbage collectors,” said Mr. Ishamudin.