The Art and Vision of Anupama Hoskere
Anupama Hoskere leads Dhaatu, keeping the ancient stories of Bharata alive through traditional puppetry and dedicated storytelling.
It was a moment of immense gratitude and humility to be honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India. This award is a recognition of the ancient art of puppetry and the work of countless artisans who keep this tradition alive.
Here I am speaking at an event for International Women's Day, sharing my thoughts on the hidden potential of women in Bharata. I believe art is a powerful medium for empowerment and inspiration.
Another shot from the same event, where I had the opportunity to engage in wonderful interactions and share my passion for our cultural heritage.
An personal invitation from me to our performance of "Chudala" in Chennai. I always enjoy connecting directly with our audience and sharing the story behind each production we stage.
A short video celebrating the homecoming of Ramlalla to Ayodhya. Our puppets are singing a traditional lullaby, a small offering from us at Dhaatu to mark this historic and joyous occasion for all of Bharata.
This video clip is from our patriotic puppet show about Vidurashwatha, also known as the Jallianwala Bagh of the South. It is our duty to use our art form to remember the sacrifices made for our freedom.
About The Artist and Her Vision
I believe puppetry is not merely entertainment but a vital bridge to our roots. When we conduct our workshops, we do not just teach the mechanics of the Sutrada Bombe; we show how every string movement creates a rasa, or emotion, that connects the audience to our epics. If you join us for a session, you will learn how our puppets, hand-carved in the spirit of Hoysala temple art, become extensions of our own storytelling.
My life is dedicated to kartavya nishta, the duty to preserve the rich heritage of Indian puppetry. At Dhaatu, our work extends far beyond the stage. Whether through our lecture-demonstrations where we explore the mechanics of shadow and string puppets, or through our intense theatrical productions, the goal is always the same: to foster a connection with our soil and traditions.
Our workshops are designed for those who wish to look deeper. We move past the surface and examine how history, mythology, and daily life in India are woven into the very fabric of our dolls. We do not use technology to replace the human element; we use traditional Sutrada Bombe to remind us of who we are. We explore why these stories matter, from the values in the Ramayana to the resilience shown during our freedom struggle.
We bring this art to schools, cultural centers, and private gatherings across Bengaluru and beyond. If you are looking to understand the technical side of puppet manipulation or wish to host an educational session that brings a touch of classical Indian history to your community, our team is ready to guide you through the process. We believe that when you hold a puppet, you hold a story that has traveled through centuries of Indian tradition.
Dhaatu
I am Anupama Hoskere. My journey with Dhaatu Puppet Theater is a lifelong dedication to the *Sutrada Bombe* tradition. It is my *pranam* to the ancient stories of our land that continue to guide my hand and my heart.
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