Capturing Mumbai's busy-bee dabbawallas

Prakash Sonawane's ongoing exhibition turns Mumbai's iconic, indefatigable tiffin delivery men -- better known as dabbawallas -- into the subject of a series of artworks on display at The Strand Art Room till June 5.

A young artist and professor at Mumbai's JJ School of Art, Sonawane has always considered the dabbawallas' daily business, delivering thousands of lunch tiffins to offices around the city, both "puzzling" and "the subject of great curiosity." It prompted him to try and freeze their life and work on canvas complete with their traditional attire, bringing into form their dedication towards work and management. 

"Whether it's Mumbai traffic, heavy monsoon rains or summer heat the dabbawallas' spirit of work never dies," says Sonawane. "Today in the busy life of Mumbai their invaluable contribution to society challenges the artist in me. Portraying their struggle and passion of serving people, through my painting allows me to contribute my bit back to the society."

The dabbawallas formed part of CNNGo's special feature "50 Reasons Why Mumbai is the Greatest City in the World."

Dabbawallas, on till June 5 at The Strand Art Room, Ama House, Near Strand Cinema, Colaba; tel. +919920021008