Tamasha decoded! This filmmaker is all set to bust myths about lavani

Savitri Medhatul was in her early teens when she watched her first lavani performance, in a folk play - Vichha majhi puri kara (Fulfill my desire) - at a Thane auditorium. "Although I was learning classical dance at that time, this particular performance hit me. Their teasing eyes, the lilting songs and the impishness in their manner was something I had never seen before. It created a lasting impression," recalls the Mumbai-based filmmaker.

Shakuntala Nagarkar, doyenne of lavani, will perform at Mumbai Local on Sept 10

By the time she completed her post-graduation in Social Communication Media from Sophia Polytechnic in 2006, she was consumed by the idea of exploring the life of lavani performers through film. "I felt there was so much beauty in the dance form that people are not aware of," she says.

Filmmaker Savitri Medhatul with Bhushan Korgaonkar

Medhatul then collaborated with writer and filmmaker Bhushan Korgaonkar, and the duo travelled to several parts of Maharashtra. They watched many lavani performances at Sangeet Bari theatres, and lived with the dancers for a week to understand their lives. "In the media, or for that matter, even in books and plays, lavani dancers are often either portrayed as home-breakers who seduce husbands, or, as docile women, who are exploited by customers. Both views are extreme," she says. The women, she insists, are strong, independent, and proud of their profession.

"Although they tease and flirt with men, it's part of the art form. They live in matriarchal societies, where most of them single-handedly support families of more than 10 members," says Medhatul.
To bust pre-conceived notions about lavani dancers, she will conduct a talk at Mumbai Local, Junoon Theatre's initiative on September 10. The event will have Medhatul talk about untold stories of lavani dancers, along with a performance by Shakuntala Nagarkar, doyenne of lavani. This will be followed by a Q&A session that will also have Korgaonkar on the panel.

Most traditional tamasha practitioners hail from Kolhati, Mahar, Mang and Bhatukal communities. "As per the custom, lavani dancers are not supposed to get married. But they are often in a monogamous relationship with a man, and have children out of wedlock. They raise the kids all by themselves because the men don't want to lend their names to the children," says Medhatul.
This genre of folk dance, she says, is not just erotic in nature but deals with subjects like religion, politics and romance. "You'll find lavanis on farmers' suicides, rape, and dowry. It has been re-inventing itself to remain relevant."

For the love of Lavani
When: September 10, 5 PM
Where: Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla East
Free
Call: 23731234