Dhaatu Puppet Theater Founder: The Artistry of Anupama Hoskere
Smt. Anupama Hoskere’s vision turns puppetry into a vibrant window into Indian heritage. Her dedication to this art form, recognized with a Padma Shri, drives every performance and workshop we bring to life.
Our founder, Smt. Anupama Hoskere, extends a personal invitation to attend a performance of 'Vijayanagara Vaibhava' at the Vijayanagara Utsava.
Smt. Anupama Hoskere receiving the Shivaratri Utsava Award from Union Minister Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, an honor shared with other stalwart artists of Bengaluru.
A video from the Ministry of Culture celebrating Smt. Anupama Hoskere as a master puppeteer and winner of the Padma Shri 2024.
A tweet from the President of India announcing the Padma Shri award for Smt. Anupama Hoskere for her work in the field of Art as a master puppeteer.
Another moment from the Shivaratri Utsava award ceremony, where Smt. Anupama Hoskere is being honored for her contributions to art and culture.
Smt. Anupama Hoskere presenting an award to another artist at the Shivaratri Utsava, celebrating the achievements of the entire artistic community.
Video of the moment Smt. Anupama Hoskere received the Padma Shri award from the Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
Smt. Anupama Hoskere at the STREE 2024 National Conference, an event celebrating women as conservators and propagators of Indian Knowledge Systems.
A proud moment as Smt. Anupama Hoskere is honored on stage at the Shivaratri Utsava in Malleshwaram.
About Our Founder & Our Pride
When you book a Dhaatu production, you aren't just getting a puppet show. You are seeing the culmination of years of research into the Natyashastra, meticulous puppet construction, and the specific, rigorous training Anupama ensures every puppeteer undergoes. It is a level of storytelling that honors the ancient traditions of Bharat while keeping modern audiences fully engaged.
The soul of Dhaatu is our founder-director, Smt. Anupama Hoskere. Since 2004, she has moved beyond just performing; she has become a dedicated guardian of our intangible heritage. Her work, formally recognized with the Padma Shri in 2024, reflects a deep commitment to the ancient treatise on performing arts, the Natyashastra.
Whether it is a grand performance of 'Vijayanagara Vaibhava' or an intimate 'Panchatantra' session, the attention to detail is absolute. From the hand-carved wooden puppets to the authentic costumes, every element is designed to pull the audience into a different world. We do not just stage shows; we create immersive experiences that explain history, ethics, and culture.
Anupama’s influence extends into the workshops we run, where the goal is to pass this knowledge to the next generation. Whether you are hosting a cultural festival, a school event, or a private celebration, engaging with Dhaatu means you are bringing that same level of artistic rigor and dedication to your own space.
Dhaatu Puppet Theater
I’m Anupama, and I started Dhaatu because puppets called me away from my engineering career. Now, my husband Vidyashankar and our family run this theater to share the magic of Bharat’s stories with everyone we meet.
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