In a powerful act of protest, a group of Bengaluru journalists collaborated with artist Badal Nanjundaswamy to stage a ‘Squid Game’-inspired street performance on Thursday, drawing attention to the city’s deteriorating footpaths. Known for using art to spotlight civic neglect, Nanjundaswamy led the initiative near St John’s Medical College Hospital in Koramangala.
The skit featured four city journalists, and a video of the performance quickly went viral on social media. During the act, photojournalist Anantha Subramanyam K accidentally fell while attempting to cross a damaged footpath, emphasizing the unsafe conditions pedestrians face daily.
Highlighting the issue, Subramanyam said the BBMP had cleared silt from a nearby drain but left the debris unattended for over a month, worsening the footpath’s state. “It becomes nearly impossible for pedestrians, especially during rush hours,” he told Metrolife.
Fellow participant Anusha Sood expressed frustration, noting, “We’re willing to support civic bodies in finding solutions, but it’s unfortunate that such performances are needed to get their attention.” She also called for two-wheeler riders to avoid using footpaths, which further endangers pedestrians.
BBMP Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao responded, stating the civic body is actively working to improve pedestrian safety. He claimed that 150 km of footpaths are being developed and that zonal commissioners have been directed to prioritize walkability.
Public response was mixed, with one user commenting, “Funny but sad — it shows how helpless citizens feel. No accountability, no change.”
This is not Nanjundaswamy’s first civic satire; his 2019 viral video compared Bengaluru roads to moon craters.