This is a photo documentary project that I am working on currently. It is about the life of some Indian wrestlers who belong to a particular akhra(gym) here in Calcutta. I wish to bring more depth into the story as time evolves and my relationship with them does likewise. Most of these wrestlers are from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who live and work in this city (Calcutta). And this akhra helps to uphold their identity. Here they practice their craft, train their bodies, wrestle, build friendship, participate in state and national level wrestling championships, sometimes even act in ad and feature length films. Some get jobs through their career in this wrestling practice. It is also a huge part of their identity, reflecting a part of their roots, and every time they hone their skills, it gets redefined. It is a matter of pride. And I wish to explore through my photographs this sense of pride and identity these wrestler friends imbibe and try to uphold themselves.
