Yakshagana Behind-the-Scenes: The Chowki Rituals

The chowki is where the real story of Yakshagana begins. Long before the stage lights turn on or the performance enters its trance state, there is a quiet, intense period of preparation that rarely gets documented. I spend hours in these tents, watching artists apply their paint and slip into their roles. My approach is entirely documentary. I use fast prime lenses to pull detail out of the shadows, ensuring the ambient, warm light remains true to what the artist feels in that moment.

Whether I am shooting in a remote village near Kundapura or a local performance in Bengaluru, I follow the same rule: minimal gear, zero intrusion, and full respect for the ritual. Clients often ask if I can direct the artists for better shots, but I find the most powerful images come from those unscripted seconds of solitude. I focus on the textures of the costumes, the deep concentration during face painting, and the camaraderie between performers when they think no one is watching. This collection captures the essence of that preparation—the raw, human side of a divine performance.