Delhi: A video shared by Delhi resident Prabhjot Singh on Instagram has captured the attention of social media users, highlighting the life of Suraj, a street musician who balances survival with artistry. Walking the lanes of Delhi every day with a flute in one hand and a bunch of colourful balloons in the other, Suraj plays music while also attempting to make ends meet.
In the video, Suraj is seen pausing along a residential street, playing his flute while the balloons bounce lightly beside him. The camera follows him from a short distance, capturing the rhythm of his movements, illustrating the dual role of performer and vendor that he navigates seamlessly.
The story behind the performance
Singh’s Instagram caption gave context to the clip, explaining that Suraj’s efforts are driven by necessity: “His name is Suraj. He walks the streets of Delhi every day – flute in one hand, balloons in the other. Playing and selling. At the same time. Because one alone won’t feed his family.”
The post reflected on a sentiment many people experience but rarely act on: noticing street musicians evokes feelings of pity, guilt, or sadness, yet most simply move on. Singh admitted to having done the same numerous times, writing, “When we see people like Suraj, we feel something. Sadness. Pity. Maybe guilt. And then we walk away. I have done that too. More times than I’d like to admit.”
Changing perspective through engagement
This time, however, Singh chose to pause. He spoke to Suraj, learning that musical talent runs in his family—his father played, he plays, and his son is learning. Singh explained the generational continuity and the circumstances shaping Suraj’s life: “Teen peedhiyaan. Ek hi raag. Aur ek hi majboori.”
The encounter led to an opportunity: Suraj was invited to perform at Singh’s next show, not as a vendor selling flutes, but as a musician playing his instrument. Singh wrote, “I am working on building that ecosystem – slowly, imperfectly, but genuinely. And Suraj is going to play at my next show. Not sell. Play.”
He encouraged others to see street performers as artists, not simply as vendors. “The next time you see a street musician, don’t just stop and listen. Take their number. Call them for your next birthday. Your next house party. Your next celebration however small. Pay them whatever you can. But call them as artists. Not as vendors,” he suggested.
Small actions, meaningful impact
Singh emphasised that this gesture may not change the system entirely but can make a meaningful difference in a person’s day and restore their dignity. “Because the moment you book Suraj to play at your dinner table instead of buying a flute from him, you have changed something. Not the whole system. But his day. His dignity. His relationship with his own instrument,” he wrote.
The post resonated widely, prompting discussion in the comments section about perspective and empathy. Users praised the initiative, noting how small actions can have a profound impact on lives. “Perfect example of how different perspectives can change the world,” one user wrote, while another added, “What a kind artist looks like. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.”
Singh’s post is more than a story about Suraj—it is a reflection on how society treats street musicians, encouraging recognition of their talent, respect for their craft, and opportunities to support them as artists.