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Tholu Bommalata

The Cultural wing of Student Life Committee (SLC) in coordination with SPIC MACAY organised Leather Puppetry Theatre/Tholu Bommalata on Sundarakanda Ramayana by Sri. Sindhe Hanumanthu Rao on 14 November at Himalaya-105. 

Tholu Bommalata brought together a unique blend of culture, mythology, and visual artistry. The event was well-received by participants who were captivated by the intricate artistry and storytelling of the puppetry. Shinde Hanumanthu Rao, a master of this traditional craft, brought the epic story of the Ramayana to life through stunning leather puppets, skillfully narrating the journey of Lord Rama, Sita and Hanuman. The performance not only highlighted the rich tradition of leather puppetry but also gave the audience an immersive experience, blending visual art with performance. It was an enriching event that resonated deeply with both young and adult spectators.

Leather Puppetry also known as Tholu Bommalata is an age-old art form of southern India, where intricately carved leather puppets are brought to life with vibrant storytelling, enchanting music, and skillful manipulation. 

Shri Sindhe Hanumanthu Rao was born on 1 June 1987 into a family of shadow puppeteers at Dharmavaram, Andhra Pradesh. He received his initial training in Tolu Bommalata from his father Sindhe Anjaneyulu and his uncles. He has gained expertise in making leather puppets and in manipulation of shadow puppets. He has participated widely in various puppetry festivals in India organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, IGNCA, Dilli Haat, International Trade Fair, Chithrakala Parishad, etc. He has been invited to international puppetry festivals in South Africa (Johannesburg), and the United States of America (New York). He has given training in leather puppetry to children through workshops at Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bhopal, Ernakulam, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad. He is the Assistant Chief Promoter of Bharat Leather Puppetry Artists’ Mutually Aided Cooperative Society Ltd., Dharmavaram. He has received an award from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India in the year 2008. Shri Sindhe Hanumanthu Rao is awarded the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar of Sangeet Natak Akademi for the year 2010 for his talent in the field of Tolu Bommalata/Shadow Puppetry of Andhra Pradesh.

 

 

November 2024