Renowned artist Sangeeta Babani, celebrated for her unique and thought-provoking public sculptures unveiled her latest series, ‘Tea Break’, at the Perry Road Junction, Bandra West. Created in association with the BMC H-West Ward, the unveiling was graced by actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, Ashish Shelar (President – BJP Mumbai), Vishvas Mote (Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Zone 3), Asif Zakaria (former H-West Ward Corporator), Swapna Mhatre (former H-West Ward Corporator) and patron Ram Raheja, bringing together a blend of star power and civic leadership for an event of profound social significance.
Tea Break is a series of eight life-size sculptures, masterfully crafted in fiberglass and metal, capturing construction workers during a moment of pause—sharing a tea break. We witness the workers in a rare, unguarded moment—one sipping a steaming cup of chai, another holding a biscuit as if lost in thought, while yet another leisurely reading a book/newspaper. Their helmets, symbols of their labour and protection, lie discarded beside them. These moments of pause, though fleeting, reveal the quiet dignity and humanity of those who build the city around us.
Together with the BMC, Babani’s contributions to Mumbai go beyond merely beautifying the city with her stunning sculptures and murals—they transform public spaces into powerful platforms for dialogue. Babani’s sculpture Quest for Knowledge champions the cause of equal education for all, while her mural Think Blue to Go Green urges commuters to reconnect with and appreciate their environment. The BMC’s partnership in initiatives like these reinforces their dedication to cultivating impactful public art that resonates deeply within the community.
Actor Sonakshi Sinha, who came dressed in a soothing white kurta paired with blue denims, expressed, “Sangeeta ji has made a beautiful, beautiful installation dedicated to our labour force, and I am glad that we are unveiling it on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra.” Actor Zaheer Iqbal added, “It is indeed a beautiful sculpture by Sangeeta ma’am. I am so glad that all the construction workers who work day and night to make our homes are getting their due credit.”
Art serves many purposes, but one of its highest aims is to enhance our quality of life. With Tea Break, Sangeeta Babani invites viewers to reflect on the familiar themes of labour and community. “I want to bring attention to the often-overlooked yet crucial role that construction workers play in shaping our urban landscapes. I aspire to encourage questions, challenge societal boundaries, and inspire new perspectives, urging our society to recognise and appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into building the environments we inhabit.” shared Sangeeta Babani.
Averred Ram Raheja, whose vision and commitment helped bring the initiative to life, “We wanted to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our industry – the men in hard hats. Without them, none of our grand visions and designs would ever come to fruition. We hope this installation in the heart of Bandra, will make everyone not just recognise their efforts but maybe also think of them every time they take a break from work and sip on tea.”
As Tea Break was just unveiled, it marks yet another step in Sangeeta Babani’s mission to build a more empathetic society through her art. The series stands as a powerful tribute to the workers who build the world around us, reminding us of the quiet moments that connect us all.
