Coffee With A Touch Of Art Is Served At This Shop In Kolkata

In the vibrant Kolkata, there’s a beautiful blend of culture and art where one encounters people showcasing applause-worthy talents even in the most unlikely places, including small street shops and stalls. One such individual in the city of joy has caught the attention of social media junkies. Nestled beside the Tollygunge Metro station, a modest shop decorated with diverse artworks stands out, offering not only tea and coffee but also a glimpse into the life of its owner, Shyama Prasad Dey. Dey is a seasoned cartoonist and sketch artist who is still trying to push through the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

As the pandemic disrupted his familiar routine, Dey, due to necessity, Dey decided to redirect his skills to tea and coffee brewing, infusing each cup with the same passion found in his cartoons. Dey’s small shop has now transformed into more than just a place for delectable brews; it has become an art gallery narrating the tale of Kolkata through his artistic perspective. Comic strips, artwork embellishing paper cups, and posters converging in Dey’s establishment are all pieces of evidence of his creativity.

Recently, a vlogger Aradhana Chatterjee shared Dey’s story on Instagram, shedding light on the transformation of his 20-year-old shop. In her video, she informs that previously, Dey was a vendor of books and magazines. He also used to participate in art exhibitions and has earned many prizes and accolades in state and district competitions, as mentioned by Chatterjee.

In the video, one can see his small blue-colored shop decked with calligraphic quotations, cartoons, and sketches along with paper cups, tea-coffee essentials, and stacks of cookie boxes.

The vlogger also explains that Dey still dreams of pursuing his artwork and following his passion. It makes him extremely happy and proud.

Explaining the motivation behind his work, Dey says, “These days, people have forgotten how to laugh. I make cartoons to make people laugh.”

Watch the full video here:

A post shared by Aradhana Chatterjee (@aradhana.chatterjee)

The video exploring the history and significance of Dey’s coffee shop has resonated deeply with both locals and visitors.

Viewers’ response to the video has been overwhelming with many expressing love and admiration for the artist. Comments poured in, praising the beautiful story, with a viewer expressing, “Such an inspiration. I’ve asked a friend to pick up a couple of his art pieces on my behalf. Hope to meet him when I’m in Cal next.”

Another shared, “My friend and I used to buy coffee from him when we were returning from our office. We saw all the sketches but never bothered to notice it. It’s funny how we miss out on beautiful things every day.”

In the comments section, even Dey’s daughter has left a heartfelt message that reads, “Thank you so much for covering him, I am a proud daughter of him, my baba.”