Honoring Our Heritage Through Puppetry
A look into the journey, recognition, and the artistic mission that fuels Dhaatu Puppet Theater’s commitment to Indian storytelling.
I am deeply humbled and honoured to have been conferred the Padma Shri award for my contributions to the field of art. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue preserving and propagating the rich tradition of Indian puppetry for future generations.
A video from the Ministry of Culture celebrating my journey as a master puppeteer and recipient of the Padma Shri award in 2024. It highlights our work in preserving this rich tradition of Bharat.
A screenshot of the announcement from the President of India's official account, presenting the Padma Shri in the field of Art to me. A truly proud moment for Dhaatu and the art of puppetry.
The moment I received the Padma Shri award from the Honourable President of India. This award is a testament to the tireless work of our entire team and the enduring power of our cultural heritage.
Receiving the Shivaratri Utsava Award from the Honourable Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje. It was a privilege to be honoured alongside other stalwart artists and achievers of Bengaluru.
A wide view of the stage during the Shivaratri Utsava award ceremony, organized by the Dr. Ashwathnarayana foundation.
Being felicitated on stage at the Shivaratri Utsava in Malleshwaram. It was a wonderful gathering of artists and cultural patrons.
About this collection
While receiving the Padma Shri was a proud milestone, for us, it is truly a recognition of the art of puppetry itself. It validates the twenty years our family has spent reviving traditional techniques and bringing stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata to contemporary audiences, ensuring this heritage continues to breathe and evolve.
When I started Dhaatu in 2004, the path was not always clear, but the calling was. Transitioning from an engineering background into the world of traditional puppetry—or 'Sutrada Gombe Ata'—meant embracing a discipline that is as much about mechanical precision as it is about narrative depth. My husband Vidyashankar and our daughters have been the bedrock of this journey, managing the daily realities of keeping an ancient art form relevant in modern Bengaluru.
Being recognized with the Padma Shri in 2024 is humbling, but it is not a destination. It is a responsibility. Whether I am presenting at national conferences on Indian Knowledge Systems, hosting workshops for school children, or curating thousands of dolls for our annual Navaratra Mahotsava, the goal remains the same: sharing the wisdom of our epics. Puppetry allows us to preserve stories from the Upanishads and Puranas in a way that resonates with both children and adults. We invite you to be part of this legacy, whether by attending a performance at our Mandala Cultural Centre or joining us for a behind-the-scenes museum tour to see how these stories are crafted.
Dhaatu Puppet Theater
I am Anupama, an engineer-turned-puppeteer who found my true calling in the rhythm of traditional strings. Alongside my family, I lead Dhaatu in bringing the heart of our epics to life, one puppet at a time.
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