Himachal Pradesh: The historic Gothic hall of the Gaiety Theatre in Shimla came alive with enchanting stories and soulful music during the Kathakars International Storytelling Festival. International storytellers Usifu Jalloh from Sierra Leone and Polina Tserkasova from Estonia enthralled the audience with their captivating storytelling, while veteran musicians Shantanu Moitra and Mohit Chauhan had a lively conversation about the art of storytelling and music. Polina Tserkasova delighted the audience by narrating a beautiful Estonian folktale about a hunter who rescues a stranded white swan. The swan, who is a female, secretly cares for the hunter. Upon discovering her true identity, the hunter gives her a choice to stay or leave. Choosing love and family, she stays with him forever, even when the other swans call her back into the clouds.
Usifu Jalloh, known for his interactive storytelling, began his performance with a song that instantly captivated the audience. They surprised everyone by singing popular Hindi and Punjabi songs including Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam, Tum Paas Aaye and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Their storytelling was equally charming, telling a humorous tale about a woman struggling to pluck vegetables from a tree. When her husband cuts a branch, she magically transforms into a man, adding a mystical twist to the tale. Adding to the charm of the celebration, renowned Punjabi musician Satpal Wadali and his group gave a mesmerizing musical performance. They started with Sanson Ki Mala Pe Simrun Mein Pee Ka Naam, followed by soulful renditions of Tujhe Dekha Toh Aisa Laga Jaise Meri Eid Ho Gayi, Tu Mane Ya Na Mane, Yeh Jo Halka Halka Suroor Hai, Lagan Lagi Tumse Mann Ki Lagan and the iconic Laal Meri Pat Rakhiyo Bhala Jhule Laalan. The highlight of the celebration was the Kisse Kahaniyan and Matargashti session, where Shantanu Moitra and Mohit Chauhan shared their experiences and thoughts on the evolution of storytelling. Moderated by Prarthana Gahlotte, the discussion discussed the deep connection between music and storytelling.
Mohit Chauhan, Chief Patron of the Festival and Cultural Ambassador of Mongolia to India, expressed his happiness on bringing the festival to Himachal Pradesh. He said, “Himachal is my home and it is a wonderful experience to see Kathakaar here. The festival revives the tradition of storytelling, giving people a chance to explore different cultures, values and traditions.” He also shared details about his journey from his breakthrough song ‘Ab Ke Sawan’ to becoming one of India’s most loved singers. Music composer Shantanu Moitra emphasised that storytelling is a universal art, with emotions remaining the same across languages and cultures. Kathakaar Director Prarthana Gahlotte highlighted the 15-year journey of the festival, which celebrated storytelling across four cities – Delhi, Shimla, Jodhpur and Jaipur. He expressed his happiness about bringing two legends, Shantanu Moitra and Mohit Chauhan, on one platform. “The residents of Shimla witnessed a unique blend of stories, music and melodies which made it a truly special experience,” he said.
