09/09/2024
I was fascinated with Natak and Nautanki from my early childhood. I played several roles in village theater as a child artist. During Durga Puja, all the young people from my village, belonging to different castes and creeds, would gather together at night for rehearsals. Sometimes, while studying at home, I would hear their sounds and chatter as they rehearsed their play. Some of my family and relatives were good actors, and I had immense reverence for them. However, my father was very strict and never wanted us to participate in such programs.
Despite this, my brother and I were great admirers of art. I saw my brother occasionally performing in plays during Saraswati Puja, but he left his interest due to study pressure. I, however, was very impressed and later got the role of a child in my village theater. In this role, I had to die, so I prepared balloons filled with color for the blood effect. After the show, I didn't change my clothes as I wanted the whole village to praise me. The next day, I roamed the village, but no one praised my performance.
However, an opportunity arose when the lead girl actor couldn't perform in the next play. Everyone suggested that I take the role, and I did all the preparation, including wearing a saree and blouse from my bhabhi. The next day, I was a star, and everyone in the village praised me. They even told my father that I had done the role of the girl very nicely. However, my father was furious, thinking about his status in society. He told me that he didn't like my choice and that everyone was doing boy roles, but I chose to perform a girl's role.
Society has changed a lot over the years. Casteism and political pressure have changed people, including those in my village.pHowever, I believe that things will eventually change for the better, and people will again appreciate theater when they realize that human interaction is essential and cannot be replaced by technology.
During the Corona pandemic, I revisited some books from my childhood, which brought back fond memories. I hope that one day, people will rediscover the joy of theater and human connection."
