Of strings and shadows

Using rods and cords, puppeteer Puran Bhat brings traditional dolls to life as they tell enchanting stories from the past

An entire Mughal force rushed to capture Amar Singh Rathore but mounted on his faithful steed Bahadur, the Rajasthani warrior jumped off the Agra Fort, leaving a dumbfound Shah Jahan behind. Centuries later, Puranu00a0 Bhat, a man who claims his origin to the legendary hero continues to break bastions down with his puppetry skills, leaving the skeptics astounded.u00a0



Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Bhat belongs to a family of puppeteers who have been performing the art for centuries. The puppets or kathputlis made of kath (wood) have been considered the Devi and Bhavani of their clan and bringing any kind of modernity into the performance was considered sacrilege. "But I had to save the art which was slipping away in oblivion in the modern world," says 56-year-old Bhat. Thus, the man defying tradition gave puppetry performances a contemporary touch by adding musicians and dancers.

More than twenty years down the line the bold step has paid off. The dying art today is at least a central part of birthday parties and other functions of the rich and the famous of Delhi's circuit.u00a0 Considering the bigger picture, today the veteran has taken the dying art of strings and shadows world over and trained more than 300 students from different countries like France, Germany, Japan Korea, and the United States. "But training the 15 youngsters has given me immense pleasure," he says referring to the children of fellow artists who reside in Shadipur depot, where the community lives today.

The legend of Amar Singh
The 18 to 22-year-olds trained under him are going to perform the story of Amar Singh Rathore this Friday. "It is divided into three parts and has comedy, entertainment and the story of Amar Singh, keeping the audience of today in mind," explains Bhat. "But it uses 36 puppet characters like the old days instead of seven or eight most artists have been forced to limit to," he adds talking about the legendary saga in which traditionally 52 characters were used.

Still fighting on
But the veteran performer has many more strongholds to capture. "Why do schools have dance and music classes but not puppetry classes? The art of puppetry involves singing, dancing, costume designing, wood craving and painting. Isn't it good enough to ?" he questions. Any answers?

Amar Singh Rathore Show
At: IIC Annexe, Lodhi estate
On: June 18
Timings: 6.30 to 8pm
Ring: 24619431
Entry: Free