Isn’t it fascinating what know-how can do as we speak? From AI to lightning-fast web, all the things is only a click on away. But what occurs when there’s no energy? When your battery runs low?
That’s the place one thing timeless steps in—an art kind that doesn’t depend on screens or indicators however on pure creativity and storytelling. Puppetry is greater than leisure; it’s a second life, a loyal companion, and a world the place you management the story. It’s an escape from the digital rush, an area the place your creativeness takes centre stage.
Puran Bhatt, a puppeteer from Rajasthan, performing Rajasthani Kathputli people story “Dhola Maru.”
| Photo Credit:
MURALI KUMAR Okay
The magic of puppetry
In the guts of bustling streets and quiet village corners, puppetry has danced its means by historical past, bringing stories to life in probably the most magical means. Long earlier than motion pictures and cartoons, puppets have been the unique entertainers—spinning tales of gods, heroes, and customary males.
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Across cultures, from India’s Kathputli of Rajasthan to Indonesia’s Wayang Kulit, puppetry has been greater than only a present; it’s been a means to go down traditions, train classes, and spark creativeness. In temples, courts, and marketplaces, puppets have whispered historical past, acted out myths, and even poked enjoyable at society.
What makes them timeless?
They let storytellers create a world the place something is feasible — the place a picket doll can change into a king, a shadow can flip right into a monster, and feelings might be felt with out a single spoken phrase. Whether for kids or adults, puppetry isn’t simply play—it’s a world the place fantasy and actuality meet, no screens wanted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses glimpses of a puppet present highlighting elements of the Sundar Kand, by Puppetry artist Nalin Gamwari and the group of Sri Anura Puppetry Society, as he arrives at lodge, in Colombo.
| Photo Credit:
ANI
Puppetry throughout cultures
Puppetry has at all times been a kind of theatre—whether or not in royal courts, village gatherings, or spiritual performances. It’s an art that blends storytelling, music, and motion, proving that generally, the only varieties of leisure depart the longest-lasting influence!
India’s puppet heritage
Rajasthan – Kathputli, the well-known string puppets utilized in people tales and historic storytelling.
Tamil Nadu – Bommalattam, a mixture of string and rod puppets, is thought for its dramatic actions.
Andhra Pradesh – Tholu Bommalata, intricate leather-based shadow puppets that gentle up with colours.
Kerala – Pavakathakali, impressed by Kathakali dance, bringing mythological characters to life.
Puppetry in different cultures
Indonesia – Wayang Kulit, shadow puppetry telling epic Hindu stories just like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Japan – Bunraku, extremely detailed puppets managed by a number of puppeteers for lifelike expressions.
Europe – Punch and Judy, a avenue puppet present stuffed with comedy and satire.
Traditional artistes of Nimmalakunta village in Sri Sathya Sai district put together their leather-based puppets forward of a present.
A scene from ‘Duryodhanavadham’ Paavakathakali (Glove puppet kathakali) organised by Tripunithura Kathakali Kendram in Tripunithura close to Kochi.
| Photo Credit:
THULASI KAKKAT
Meet Pupalife: A storytelling motion that’s reimagining schooling
Pupalife is not only an organisation—it’s a motion that believes within the energy of stories to remodel lives. Founded in 2015, Pupalife was born out of a single second of curiosity when a baby requested about shadow puppetry. The founder Mohana Sundaram, not realizing the reply, took it as a problem. With nothing however YouTube and sheer curiosity, he started studying, experimenting, and performing—and that spark ignited the journey of Pupalife.
Team Pupalife
At its core, Pupalife is a storytelling collective that believes schooling is the important thing to social reform. And what higher means to educate than by storytelling? Over the years, the group has mastered and explored greater than 10 distinctive storytelling codecs, from shadow puppetry and ventriloquism to people tales and music-based narratives.
“We mix the traditional with the modern—bringing in folk instruments, songs, and tales while adapting them with themes that resonate with children today,” says Mohan. “Our stories are often inspired by thinkers like Thiruvalluvar, but the real magic happens when children join us in co-creating them. It becomes an interactive and imaginative experience for everyone.”
Talking about their formidable All India Storytelling Camp launched in 2023, he provides, “We covered 48 locations across India and hope to reach 100 soon. Even when language is a barrier, storytelling isn’t. Through music, actions, and expressions, we connect with children everywhere. Stories are a universal language.”
But Pupalife is extra than simply performances. With a dream to construct an establishment devoted to puppetry schooling—providing structured programs like diplomas, particularly in shadow puppetry—the group is on a mission to revive this fading art kind.
Boshikavya, Co-Founder, Pupalife performing shadow puppetry.
Their ardour even took them abroad. “I went to Indonesia to study their traditional puppetry, especially wayang kulit,” says co-founder Boshikavya, who can be a lawyer. “It was eye-opening to see how deeply rooted and respected puppetry is there, and we want to bring that level of seriousness and structure back to India.”
With only a core group of 4 figuring out of a small workplace in Kodambakkam, Chennai, they’ve managed to attain a a lot bigger viewers, proving that massive modifications don’t at all times want massive groups—simply massive concepts and energy.
“We may not be here after 30 years, but our stories will be—and we want the next generation to carry them forward.”BoshikavyaCo-founder
“He spoke through the puppet”: The life-changing influence of puppetry on autism
For many, puppetry might look like an historic kind of storytelling. But for some, it turns into a voice. One such unforgettable second within the journey of these passionate puppeteers was when a 24-year-old with autism, who hadn’t spoken for years, lastly expressed himself—by a puppet.
“He can’t talk, he won’t express anything,” recalled the storyteller, talking about their year-long puppetry workshop with autistic adults. “But after our intervention, he spoke something with the puppet. He delivered something,” shared Mohan.
Mohana Sundaram, Founder, Pupalife.
Interaction is the important thing
The interactive nature of the art kind attracts kids in, making them lively individuals somewhat than passive learners. “Sometimes, we start a story, and then the kids take it forward. They create the characters, build the narrative—it’s their world,” Mohan defined.
“I give the puppets to them, I go and talk to the children, I involve the child in that play,” Mohan shared. “Automatically, the child becomes cooperative.”
Meet Mr. Vaan
Every nice puppet has a narrative, and Mr. Vaan is not any completely different. Stitched by Mohan himself, Vaan is extra than simply material and thread—he’s a personality introduced to life by creativeness. His identify wasn’t randomly chosen; it was given by a younger woman who, when requested about its that means, defined that it got here from the Tamil phrase “Vaanam,” which implies sky, what was additionally her brother’s identify.
Even faculties are starting to perceive the facility of this medium. From life abilities to teachers, puppetry is now being developed right into a structured curriculum with two tracks: storytelling for all times abilities, and concept-based tutorial modules. “When we go to schools, many children come just to feel the puppets once,” Boshikavya added. “They have a thirst to learn this.”
And maybe, in a world dominated by screens, it’s that straightforward, tactile interplay—having the ability to maintain, discuss to, and change into the puppet—that makes all of the distinction.
“Story is not bound by language. Even if I don’t know a child’s mother tongue, they can understand the story through actions, music, and expressions.”Mohana SundaramFounder, Pupalife
Imagination taking centre stage
Pupalife’s strategy is rooted in hands-on engagement. They use shadow puppetry, an art kind Mohan himself was drawn to, as a instrument for creativeness and storytelling. They additionally combine people songs into their performances, making it a cultural studying expertise. “It’s not just about puppets — it’s about bringing in traditional music, old tales, and making children a part of it,” he says.
“And that’s the real magic of puppetry — it’s not about watching, it’s about doing. When a child holds a puppet, they aren’t just playing; they’re expressing, learning, and creating something uniquely their own,” he continued.
Ventriloquism
Ventriloquism is the art of talking with out shifting one’s lips, making it appear as if the voice is coming from a puppet or one other supply. It is commonly utilized in leisure, however it can be a robust instrument for remedy and communication.
“One of our biggest challenges was performing a ventriloquism show for blind people. Since traditional ventriloquism relies on visual elements—like the movement of a puppet’s mouth and expressions —we had to adapt. We focused on creating distinct voices, engaging storytelling, and interactive dialogue to ensure the audience could fully experience the performance. The response was incredible, proving that ventriloquism is not just about sight but also about sound, imagination, and emotion,” Mohan mentioned.
An attention-grabbing take
“I strongly believe robotics started from puppetry. If there is no puppetry, there is no robotics, which we are talking about now. So, that is the base for everything,” mentioned Boshikavya, Co-Founder of Pupalife, who can be a lawyer.
“A robot and a puppet may look similar, but there’s a crucial difference—one follows commands, the other tells a story. That’s why storytelling connects with children in a way lessons and marks never can,” she added.
Fun truth: The Mechanical Turk
In the 18th Century, Wolfgang von Kempelen created the Mechanical Turk, a chess-playing “robot” that amazed audiences. Spoiler alert: It was really a cleverly disguised puppet operated by a hidden human!
Photo of the reconstruction of the Turk, the chess-playing automaton designed by Kempelen.
“Puppetry isn’t just art—it’s a 3D model that brings stories and concepts to life. While drawings stay flat, puppets move, speak, and teach. Schools are beginning to see its value, with some even asking for weekly shows or workshops. It’s not just performance—it’s education in motion.”Team Pupalife
Pupalife continues to take this art ahead by distinctive workshops the place kids be taught, create, and carry out.
Published – April 06, 2025 12:00 pm IST
