Vocal for local: Disheartened artistes fear being sidelined

Dharamsala, August 28

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The local artistes of the state who perform in various fairs, festivals, and special events are a discontented and disheartened lot. These talented men and women are voicing their displeasure at being sidelined and not given adequate performance time and treatment they deserve. They feel they not only entertain the audience, but are also instrumental in preserving the native folk through stage performances.

Give them more opportunities

It is high time that the budding and established artistes of the state were given more opportunities to perform at various events in the state. This would give them a platform to hone their skills to further excel in their chosen field. — Prof Chander Rekha Dhadwal, writer

Kangra artistes, Varsha Katoch and Karnail Rana, are upcoming artistes who are heard even outside the state. “There is no dearth of talent in the district but ironically the voice of the hills is getting step motherly-treatment. On the contrary, red carpets are laid for second rate artistes coming from neighbouring states,” rues an artiste on condition of anonymity. How would our own youth get the stage and exposure if outsiders are made to dominate every cultural extravaganza in the state, he questions.

According to Dr Gautam Vyathith, who has done considerable research in the preservation of Kangra’s jhamakda, nuala, nati, ballads and other popular songs opines that dance forms and music of the hills have an inherent magical effect which can hold the audiences for any stretch of time. He strongly feels that Himachali singers and the accompanying instrumentalists do outstanding work. While talking to The Tribune, he says, ‘Folk ballads pass on from one generation to another, preserving the dying art. Instruments like synthesisers produce a noise that overshadows our flute, dholak, harmonium or folk instruments which go so well with our cultural identity”.

Prof Chander Rekha Dhadwal, who has written profusely on native culture, while talking to The Tribune said, ‘It is high time that the budding and established artistes of the state are given more opportunities to perform at various events in the state. This would give them a platform to hone their skills to further excel in their chosen field.”

She opines that since the stage artistes are the propagators of native culture, it is our duty to support their cause. “It is painful to hear instances of discrimination against them where they complain of being overlooked, silenced and humiliated,” she says. Experts feel that the government should find a transparent procedure whereby artistes get graded and accordingly sponsored for events held at the district, state and national level. Sensing the anomaly, Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa has already revived the Kangra Cultural Council.