PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, April 21: The Chhau dancers of Pandadih, a remote village in Ranchi district on Thursday morning got an opportunity to meet Harish Patel, an Indian character actor who has appeared in various Bollywood films.
The village has been transformed into a happy village by Shubhasish Chakraborty, a social scientist and a writer who has contributed a substantial amount from his salary over the years to develop the village into a model village based on the idea of Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
Chakraborty has spent several years in Jamshedpur while working with JUSCO, a Tata Steel subsidiary. He had conceptualized a very innovative idea of promoting art forms as a change enabler.
With his sole support, an art form called ‘Chhau’ is being taught in the government schools of Pandadih and the other two villages of Sonahatu Block to preserve the style among younger generations.
Presently, 25 students mostly in the age group of 3-10 years are learning and performing the dance. With his guidance and effort, the native dancers have developed scripts on Swatch Bharat, Atma Nirbhar Bharat, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Corona prevention and support etc.
Notably, by his efforts, Pandadih village became Covid free and is one of the first villages in the country to get cent percent vaccination.
The Chhau dancers interacted with actor Harish Patel, who had made his film debut in Mandi directed by Shyam Benegal in 1983. Before getting onto the silver screen, he gained prominence for his performance in TV serials Malgudi Days and Gopalji. Popularly known for his catchphrase “Gayee Bhains Paanee Mein” (the buffalo entered the water), in the movie Mr. India, he also garnered international recognition after starring in Marvel Studios’ Eternals as Karun.
Apart from Hindi films and televisions shows, he has also appeared in American and British films came to Ranchi for an event and met the young Chhau dancers of Pandadih village.
Harish said that it is a very naïve and unique idea of promoting an art form and also utilising it for nation-building. He also congratulated the team for doing good work.
