Born in Poba upazilla 77 years ago, Shishir recalls how he got involved with the profession. Not so long ago, a mask-maker would make 36 different kinds of masks using tamarind seeds as the medium for mixing raw colours collected from organic materials. "Masks were made for 'mukhush khela', an indigenous theatre based on Ramayana," says Shishir. For traditional masks, a dice is made with clay; paper is placed on it later. The complicated patterns are drawn on those faces. These masks were once very fashionable in theatrical performances of Ramayana.

Using masks in theatre, depicting the confrontation between Ram and Rabon, has always been highlighted at social and religious ceremonies in rural areas. "During a performance an actor can assume any name on stage, and the mask shapes his/her identity," Shishir explains the purpose of using masks in 'mukhush khela'.

"If anyone assumes the character 'Hanuman', how could the audience recognise him without the 'Hanuman' mask?" asks Shishir.

In contemporary society, the access to technology and the emergence of television and movies as sources of entertainment, the impact of theatre is not what it used to be. Thus masks used in theatre have ceased to exist as well. Also, these performances suffered a great set back when many Hindus left the country for good following the Partition (1947). Masks have lost their social and economic value.

Shishir says that though the design of the masks remains unchanged, he no longer uses natural colours and tamarind seeds as the medium.

Shishir represents the plight of traditional mask-makers in the country. "Nowadays, the craft alone does not guarantee a decent meal," says the mask-maker. Which explains why Shishir's son has lost interest in the ancestral profession.

Shishir is fighting to preserve this dying craft by finding new ways to market the products. Though his son has participated in Boishakhi mela arranged by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, he believes that it is not enough. There have been conscious efforts on his part to appeal to modern taste by combining traditional designs with more contemporary colours/ patterns when making masks. "Extending support to traditional crafts and treating them with respect is crucial for preserving these works of art from fading away," Shishir reaffirms.