In conversation with demons, gods and Akbar at the National Behrupiya Festival

National Behrupiya Festival took place at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, from October 5-8, 2018. The word behrupiya is a derivative of the Sanskrit word bahu (many) and roop (form). Behrupiyas are impersonators, mostly known to perform in villages and markets all over India. Currently, they are increasingly seen in stage shows, festivals and functions.

We spoke with the behrupiya artists who tell us how they have been practicing this art from a young age and it is their main source of income. The behrupiya festival takes place every year in a different locations- Delhi, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kumbh, Muzaffarnagar and others.