Bhagwan Mallick earns about ₹100 a day. At 80, he has spent nearly eight decades playing the violin on the streets of Kolkata, and until a viral video of him spread online, almost nobody noticed.
The clip showed him playing on despite weak eyesight and a violin that had nearly fallen apart. Industrialist Anand Mahindra saw it and posted it on X. “I’d like to contribute, along with many others, who I know will be moved by his passion,” he wrote. “The video didn’t seem to provide details of how and where.” Users answered within hours, filling his replies with details about Mallick so that people could find him.
Who made the video
Content creator Aradhana Chatterjee first shared his story. She met Mallick earlier this year, and posted about him in May, according to Asianet Newsable. In her account, Mallick lost his parents very young. His father had taught him the violin, and after his father died, the instrument became his only source of income. He has played on the streets since childhood to pay for food and daily needs, and still plays every evening.
He lives in a rented house with his wife, who often sits beside him as he performs. Chatterjee said he can usually be found near the New Town Bus Stand, the DLF subway and New Town Art Street, between 5 pm and 11 pm.
She also asked cafes, event organisers and community groups to invite him to play. Even a few paid performances, she said, would make a real difference.
In a later update, Chatterjee said supporters had raised nearly ₹1 lakh. She gave Mallick a new violin to replace the old one.
Sources
- 'He earns just â¹100 a day': Anand Mahindra offers help after 80-year-old violinist's story breaks hearts
- 80-Year-Old Violinist's Lifelong Struggle Moves Anand Mahindra, Internet Rallies Behind Him
- Anand Mahindra offers help to 80-year-old Kolkata street violinist
