Time to institutionalise puppetry: Dadi Pudumjee
Pudumjee feels that puppetry is no more bound to children and it is time to institutionalise the craft.
New Delhi: The master puppeteer who gave life to mammoth puppets besides song and dance sequences in modern puppetry, is back with a one-of-its-kind exhibition detailing the journey of Zorastrianism, considered among the oldest religions in the world.
Sangeet Natak Academi award winner, Dadi Pudumjee is one of the curators of the 'Everlasting Flame International' exhibition, being held at premier cultural institutes in the capital under Humari Dharohar scheme in collaboration with Culture Ministry and city based Parzor Foundation.
Pudumjee, an established name in the world of puppetry has designed Amesha Spenta- a class of divine entities in Zorastrianism for the 'Threads of Continuity' exhibition on show presently at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts here.
"My creation represents the six immortal elements of air, water, earth, fire, metal and human mind. Amesha Spenta in Zorastrianism represent the duality of life i.e. the existence of good and evil. It talks about the dilemma we face when we have to choose sides in life," he says.
The Padma Shri awardee who is credited with giving a modern twist to puppetry by incorporating life size puppets, music, text etal in his shows, feels that puppetry is no more bound to children and it is time to institutionalise the craft.
"Puppetry today has evolved into a more universal entity, both in terms of its audience and the themes it touches upon.
It is gradually becoming a potent tool to address social issues. It is not just kids' entertainment any more.
"People are interested in learning this craft. A lot of puppeteers and enthusiasts have expressed interest in institutionalising the art," he says. .