Rajasthan’s stand-up act isn’t smiling anymore

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They are born stand-up comedians and have been traditional folk entertainers for centuries, but now members of the Muslim Bhand community say they are struggling hard to keep alive their art. “We live neglected by society and there are few takers for this art,” says Subrati, a senior member of the community.

The Bhands said they not only entertain people but also spread a message of communal harmony and brotherhood. “We are devote Muslims, but we play roles of Hindu gods and goddesses, it is part of our tradition,” says Subrati. Hailing from Dausa district, he said there are several families of Bhands living in Dausa district who make their lives by this folk art.
They do not have lavish sets to perform, nor stages, but they mesmerise the audience when they perform at gatherings in towns and villages. Firoz performs as Ravan and emits a terrible roar when the demon king expresses anguish. “Not only Ravan, I also play several Hindu mythological characters. But now I feel bad when I see how our art is going to die because society does not support us,” says Firoz.
The Bhand performers said they enjoyed the patronage of the Rajputs and other communities during the era of the princely states. “When we move about in villages, our patrons give us respect and greet us with whatever we demand, like grain or even some times a buffalo,” says Subrati.
“Cinema and TV grabbed all the space and the younger generation has lost interest in the art,” says Subrati.
Shamshad is an experienced folk artiste of the tradition. He said a Bhand has the skill to make people happy and put smiles on their faces through his art. “We do make others laugh and forget their pain and sadness, but our own life is full of sadness,” he says. “Ham auro ko hansate hain magar jab ghar lautete hain to rona ata hai kyonki ab is kala se gujar-basar mushkil se hota hai (Our art gives happiness to people and they laugh when we perform, but when we return to our houses we are sad because we find it difficult to earn money to run the family),” he says.
Though most Bhand performers are Muslims, the art transcends religious boundaries. Ashok Sharma also travels with such Bhand performers and portrays Muslim characters.
“It is not only an art but a way of communicate with the masses and spread the message of harmony and love,” he said.
The performers say costumes and make-up material have become costly. In cinema, the artistes have several helping hands to support them. “They have make-up men, designers to suggest costumes and horeographers, but we do all these things with a single hand,” says Subrati.