City’s date with Dastangoi

Ever wondered if any form of storytelling existed before theatre and films? The answer is in Dastangoi.

Ever wondered if any form of storytelling existed before theatre and films? The answer is in Dastangoi, a traditional art form of storytelling that will be brought alive by Mahmood Farooqui and Danish Husain. A traditional tale of princess Chouboli from Rajasthan in a jugalbandi of narration and acting between the performers, Dastangoi started in Persia but gained popularity in 18th and 19th century in India.

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Farooqui, a Delhi based Historian and writer, has been promoting this art form since 2004. Since then, he’s performed more than 250 Dastan-gois worldwide. Though Farooqui is dabbling in other arts as well, (he co-directed Peepli Live), he wants to continue the tradition of Dastangoi. “Chouboli has the perfect blend of humour, satire and feminism told in a traditional setting,” says Farooqui.

What: Chouboli, A Rajasthani folk tale in Urdu
When: 7:30pm, February 12
Where: Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurgaon
Nearest metro station: Huda City Centre on Yellow Line