Artists should look for art in rural India: Nageen Tanvir

The younger generation of artists should explore the country's rural and traditional roots to hone their art, says classic vocalist Nageen Tanvir, daughter of late theatre personality Habib Tanvir.

"People should look for indigenous parts of theatre. They are present in many inaccessible parts of the country. They (struggling artists) must go where traditional art is taking place, and the art is happening in rural parts of the country," Nageen told IANS.

Her father did just that - he brough rural artists on the urban stage - something not many of his times had experimented before. He even gave a new lease of life to Chhattisgarhi artists as they could sing, dance and act at the same time, and because he found an unmatched sense of satire and humour in them.

Nageen spoke on the sidelines of the launch of "Habib Tanvir: Towards an Inclusive Theatre", a book by Anjum Katyal.

Published by Sage publications, the book was launched Friday night as a tribute to the artist on the eve of his 89th birth anniversary. It tracks the life of Habib Tanvir, his tryst with theatre, and his work behind popular plays "Agra Bazaar", "Gaon Ka Naam Sasural" and "Charandas Chor".

Nageen, who herself has been part of the theatre world and has done many stage shows with her father, is busy taking the legacy forward by staging his plays across the country and creating new productions as well.

"The shows are happening everywhere. We are doing his plays. We have also done a new production called 'Konark'," Nageen said.