Islamabad: The unusually dazzling sight of a ‘golden man’ standing on a busy intersection in Islamabad baffles many. Pedestrians and cars go slower near him to confirm if he’s real or made of gold but he does not move a muscle or utter a word.
The street artist, known as the ‘Golden Man of Islamabad’, stands near the famous Jinnah Super Market in Islamabad, an undeniably crowded area. He is covered in metallic gold paint resembling a golden statue. Living statues are a common sight in many European cities but it is rare in Asia and the ‘golden man’ claims to be the first such street performer in Pakistan.
How did he become the living statue?
His name is Muhammad Ehsaan and he is only 17 years old. Born and raised in Karachi, the city known as Pakistan’s commercial hub, Ehsaan travelled to the capital city of Islamabad in search of employment. Little formal education dimmed the prospects of a good job but Ehsaan decided he won’t give up or go back home.
One day, he was scrolling through TikTok and the video of a living statue from India sparked his interest and he decided he will make a living as a human statue in Islamabad.
Life of a street performer
“I just started right away and had no idea that I will become the first living statue in Pakistan,” Ehsaan said while talking to Gulf News. Every day, he spray-paints his face and don a golden jacket, gloves and shoes so that people can enjoy this peculiar form of street art. He also wears a golden beret cap - a reminder of the childhood dream when he wanted to join the army. Sometimes he would also bring a guitar as props to amuse the residents.
The ‘golden man’ can be found standing near Jinnah Super Market almost every day from 8 in the morning to midnight. When asked how difficult is to stand still for a painfully long period, he responded: “How will a street artist earn if he gets tired?”
The income is far from steady as he earns around Rs3,000 ($17) on any given day. Seven months into the business, he is now being invited to big events and festivals in the city to surprise the guests, growing his popularity as a performer.
Some of his biggest fans are children who stop by for a close glance and chit chat. Car drivers also often pull over to say Salam and take a selfie or make a short video with him to get more likes on their social media accounts.
Grateful to the people
The performer says he is “grateful to the city” that made him a star. “I am indebted to Islamabad’s deputy commissioner Hamza Shafqaat who issued me a permit to show my talent and make people smile.” He says that overall people of Islamabad are respectful and welcoming. But what does his family think about his performance? “My mother and siblings appreciate what I do. Nobody knew me in the Karachi neighbourhood before. Now I am the famous ‘Golden Man of Islamabad,’ he said.
In his message to youngsters, Ehsaan advised them to stay away from drugs, crimes and illegal and unethical activities and “to earn an honest living no matter how tough it is” just as he is working hard 16 hours a day to make a living as a human statue.
