Birbhum's 85-yr-old Bahurupi artist, 'Chhinath'-inspired, got rose from Rajiv Gandhi

• Subal Das Bairagya, an 85-year-old 'Bahurupi' (impersonator) from Birbhum, was inspired by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 'Chinath Bahurupi' character.
• In 1985, he traveled to Washington with then-PM Rajiv Gandhi to perform, receiving a promise of support for artists upon his return.
• He currently trains children at Visva-Bharati's Patha Bhavana and Supriyo Tagore's Shishutirtha school, continuing the traditional art form.
• His son Dhoneshwar Das Bairagya and grandson Raghav Das Bairagya are also continuing the family's 'Bahurupi' tradition.

Why It Matters: Birbhum's Subal Das Bairagya champions traditional Bahurupi art, inspiring new artists.