Imagine strolling down the vibrant streets of Chennai and encountering a person sitting by the roadside with a vintage typewriter, inviting you to share your story. This is no ordinary encounter; it’s a glimpse into the world of Madras Busking, a group of artists and writers dedicated to introducing Chennai to the European tradition of street storytelling.
The concept was sparked by Nirosha Shanmugam, a medical student who witnessed busking in Bengaluru and was captivated by its ability to connect strangers through shared stories. She felt that the spirit of camaraderie in Chennai would make it the perfect city to embrace busking. In 2018, she began engaging with people in parks, colleges, bookstores, and cafes, listening to their stories and crafting poems in response. One particularly poignant encounter with a woman struggling with fertility treatments deeply impacted Nirosha, reminding her of the importance of compassion and empathy.
Fast forward to 2023, Nirosha, along with her friend G S Sairam, officially launched Madras Busking. The group embraces various forms of busking, including writing, sketching, letter writing, and performance art like dancing, singing, or juggling. Each busker brings a unique skill and approach, creating a diverse and engaging experience for the audience.
K R B Dhaaranee, a lawyer and first-time busker, was immediately drawn to the idea of bringing busking to India. She found that many people are interested in journaling and letter writing, often requesting letters to their future selves, creating time capsules of their current emotions and thoughts. Dhaaranee was surprised and touched by the depth of the stories she heard, feeling privileged to witness such intimate moments.
Vignesh G, an IT professional, discovered a new dimension to his writing through busking. While he had previously focused on personal experiences, engaging with strangers and writing about their lives opened his eyes to the power of storytelling and connection. He simply asks people to tell him about themselves, leading to insightful conversations about work, family, friends, pets, and passions.
Antony Jackson Cruz, a creative journalist and sketching busker, uses his art to capture treasured moments. He shared how a librarian, lacking a picture of his beloved library, was moved to tears when Antony sketched him in front of the building, preserving a piece of his history.
While busking offers a rich and rewarding experience, the group also faces challenges. Time constraints can be a hurdle as people often get lost in conversation and lose track of time. To ensure that everyone has a chance to experience the magic of busking, Madras Busking is planning monthly meet-ups at various locations around Chennai, including bookstores, libraries, cafes, and post offices.
If you’re in Chennai, keep an eye out for Madras Busking events happening in the third week of September and follow them on Instagram (@madrasbusking) for updates. You might just find yourself sharing a story, crafting a poem, or witnessing a piece of art that will stay with you forever.
