A video of 80-year-old Bhagwan Mallik playing violin on the streets of Kolkata went viral. After this, industrialist Anand Mahindra has come forward to help him. Mallik has been struggling for decades and earns around Rs 100 a day. Despite poor eyesight and a broken violin, he continues his work.
80 year old Bhagwan Mallik plays violin on the streets of Kolkata. Recently, a video made on his life went viral on social media, seeing which thousands of people became emotional. These include industrialist Anand Mahindra, who has offered to help this elderly violinist. While sharing the video on X, Mahindra wrote that he wants to help Mallik after seeing his passion and years of struggle. He also said that the video did not provide information on how to reach them or how to help them.
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A life full of music and struggle
Bhagwan Mallik has been playing the violin on the streets of Kolkata for decades, not for fame, but to make a living. According to content creator Aradhana Chatterjee, who first shared his story in May, Mallik lost his parents at a very young age. He learned playing the violin from his father.
After his father’s death, music became his only source of income. Since childhood, he has been performing on the streets to feed himself and his family.
Even at the age of 80, Mallik plays the violin every evening, even though his eyesight is weak and his old violin is badly broken. It is said that he is able to earn only around Rs 100 per day. He lives in a rented house with his wife, who often sits near him while he performs.
lend a helping hand
After Anand Mahindra’s post, many social media users shared Mallik’s information, which made his case reach more people.
Earlier, Aradhana had told that Mallik can usually be seen near New Town Bus Stand, DLF Subway and New Town Art Street in Kolkata between 5 pm to 11 pm. He also appealed to cafes, event organizers and community groups to invite him to perform.
While sharing an update earlier this month, Aradhana said that after posting the video, with the help of people, Rs 1 lakh was collected for Mallik. He also gifted a new violin to Mallik, which has given new hope to this elderly musician after decades of difficulties.