As magnificent tableaux rolled down the sun-drenched Rajpath at the Republic Day Parade on Friday, giving an interesting glimpse into various facets of our country, the art of tableau-making is yet to find its space under the sun.

"It's sad that this difficult art form does not even have a name. The term tableaux-making is still a misnomer," lamented Bappa Chakraborty, credited to be the most experienced float-maker in India.

"Tableau-making is a different yet unknown form of art. It is sad that after having so many master craftsmen and artisans involved, their talent is yet to be given due recognition," said Bappa, who has designed ten tableaux for this year's parade.

For this advertising professional, it is a journey of conceptualising, designing and fabricating thematic floats, rather 'moving theatres' on cheerless trailers and trucks for the yearly celebrations.

After a span of one-and-a-half months of backbreaking work behind him, Bappa said, "After all, the basic appreciation comes from people and media. They play a significant role in giving a verdict how successful we workers are."

More than 100 people slogged daily to put together the floats, each of which was on show for just 33 seconds -- the time a float took to pass by the President's dais. For Bappa, the 33 seconds was what the craze was about.

A tableau, unlike the stage in an exhibition hall, is difficult to create and visualise as you cannot create an illusion here, Bappa said. You can at the most 'play with a perspective and three-dimensional forms open on all sides," he added.

Ask about his masterpieces so far, Bappa shyly spoke about a float he designed for Meghalaya state a few years back, where he showed a peeled off orange to depict the orange market of the state . "The float won the first prize," said the proud craftsman.

He once designed a Kerala state tableau showcasing its world-famous spices with red and green coloured-chillies sprawled all over the traditional Kerala boat. Completing his 18th year in the trade of tableau-making, this 'visualiser' has each of his creation close to his heart as he explains, "I try to give each tableau a unique character to make them stand apart."