Prayagraj: For more than two decades, a six-member make-up team has remained an integral part of the Patthar Chhati Ramlila Committee. Led by veteran artist Hameed, the group returns every year to bring the epic’s characters to life, even as they spend the rest of the year working on web series, theatre productions and other projects across the state.Every day at around 4 pm, Hameed and his team, comprising Arshad, Dilip, Vikas, Chandan Malviya and another assistant, pick up their brushes and begin transforming performers into mythological characters. They are among the 70-80 backstage artists who have been associated with the Patthar Chhati Ramlila for years.Hameed and his team do the make-up for 40 to 50 artistes daily. This year, he says, the task has become more demanding as several renowned actors from the entertainment industry are performing different roles in the Patthar Chhati Ramlila.Hameed, who has also worked on projects including the Anupam Kher-starrer Laila Majnu, said he has been associated with the Ramlila committee for the past 22 years.“I was once an actor too and played the roles of Parshuram and Kevat in the Ramlila,” he said.Emphasising the importance of make-up in live performances, films and digital productions, Hameed said the objective is always the same: to make the characters believable.“During Ramlila, audiences see their deities in these characters, so it is our responsibility to ensure the artistes look the part,” he said, adding that “Whether it is a stage performance or a web series shoot, the goal is to bring characters alive. The job becomes hectic when several characters have to be prepared at the same time and deadlines are tight.”According to Hameed, his brother Arshad, along with Chandan Malviya and Vikas Nishad, provides crucial support, though the final touches are usually done by him.While Hameed handles the make-up of lead characters such as Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Laxman, Hanuman and Ravan, other members of the team work on supporting characters.“Hours are spent to achieve perfection. Every character in the Ramlila has a distinct look, and our primary responsibility is to do justice to that character,” Hameed said.