Many people with specific functions are involved in the creation of a Hindi poster. The team consists of oil paint mixers and boilers, fabric repairmen, brush cleaners, lettering painters, poster primers, square-line draughtsmen, correction draughtsmen, second artist and final artist.

The design of the traditional cinema banners is based on a layout and on photographs of the film stars. The originals are divided into a grid, enlarged and then painted directly onto the primed canvas. One of Bombay’s leading firms is Balkrishna Arts where some of the most talented Indian artists work.

Photos: Hans Demarmels