This ongoing series documents the Bediya of India, who practice the ancient art Bahurupi, meaning many (bahu) forms (rupa). Bediya are “untouchables” from the lower caste and can only find menial jobs. To survive they move around the country performing as once popular mythological characters who are all but forgotten today.
Bahurupi – people with many faces
Series, Jury Honorable Mention
Lord Krishna.
Nonichura Chowdhury Byadh as Lord Krishna.
Nonichura Chowdhury Byadh as Lord Krishna.
The Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah.
Harihar Das as Siraj ud-Daulah, the last independent nawab of Bengal.
Harihar Das as Siraj ud-Daulah, the last independent nawab of Bengal.
The Nagraj, snake king.
Shyamsundar Chowdhury Byadh as the Nagraj (snake king) sits on the branch of a tree.
Shyamsundar Chowdhury Byadh as the Nagraj (snake king) sits on the branch of a tree.
The Arjuna.
A melancholy Arjuna, performed by Basudeb Chowdhury Byadh, awaits the start of war.
A melancholy Arjuna, performed by Basudeb Chowdhury Byadh, awaits the start of war.
Indra, king of all gods.
The powerful Devaraj Indra (the king of all gods) as portrayed by Sashibhusan Das.
The powerful Devaraj Indra (the king of all gods) as portrayed by Sashibhusan Das.
The goddess Kali.
The goddess Kali, performed by Santosh Das.
The goddess Kali, performed by Santosh Das.
The resting Ravana.
Basudeb Das Bayen as the Ravana (demon) takes a rest and contemplates his next moves.
Basudeb Das Bayen as the Ravana (demon) takes a rest and contemplates his next moves.
Two birds.
The brothers Narayan and Khiti dressed as birds.
The brothers Narayan and Khiti dressed as birds.
When gods are gossiping with each other.
Lord Krishna gives advice to his friend Arjuna.
Lord Krishna gives advice to his friend Arjuna.
Bear dance.
Saktipada Bera romps as a bear.
Saktipada Bera romps as a bear.
The little Lord Shiva.
A young boy named Chottu in the role of Lord Shiva. The smoke is too much for his eyes.
A young boy named Chottu in the role of Lord Shiva. The smoke is too much for his eyes.
Agni, the fire god.
Agnidev, the fire god, admires his creation. Sashibhusan Das plays Agnidev here.
Agnidev, the fire god, admires his creation. Sashibhusan Das plays Agnidev here.