Ragni artiste Sapna wants to promote folk culture in state

Sandeep Rawat

Tribune News Service

Haridwar, December 4

Popular Haryanvi ‘Ragni’ artiste Sapna Chaudhary wants to promote the folk culture in Uttarakhand and Haryana. She is also willing to become the brand ambassador to promote folk culture as both states have a rich culture and heritage. Soon, she will showcase her talent on the silver screen too, as soon she will be signing for two Bolllywood big budget films.

She said through her performances she also tries to generate social awareness about female foeticide, dowry and corruption.

On charges that current Ragni-based shows were indecent and portrayed women dancers as sex symbol, Sapna said those who make such allegations should first witness her live shows and the audience from senior citizens to teenagers enjoying Ragni together. “Those who view women as a commodity make such allegations, otherwise never in my shows any old person or women have raised such a issue. In fact many don’t know Ragni is a story-based folk presentation and indecent show never occurs in my performances. If such a thing would have been there, I won’t have got such an iconic status among people of all age groups and gender,” said Sapna, who has done hundreds of Ragni shows across north India.

She said Uttarakhand is the land of deities and “it’s a blessing to be in the land of the Himalayas and the Ganga. I am willing to work for social causes in the state. I am saddened over the loss of lives and destruction caused by the June 2013 flash floods”. “I am a small artiste but still if the Uttarakhand government or any other state approaches me for cooperation in social causes and funding, I am ready to help. I am willing to become brand ambassador for promoting Ragni and the local folk culture in Uttarakhand. There is need to promote folk culture,” she added.

Hundreds of persons belonging to all age groups had gathered to have a glimpse of the ace folk artist, who obliged them by giving them autographs, shaking hands and mobile phone selfies.