Anupama Hoskere: Reviving India’s Ancient Puppetry Tradition with Global Vision

Smt. Anupama Hoskere stands as one of India’s foremost cultural torchbearers, a master puppeteer who has elevated the traditional art of puppetry into a sophisticated and globally respected performance form. As the Founder-Director of the Dhaatu Puppet Theater in Bengaluru, she has dedicated her life to preserving, innovating, and promoting India’s rich storytelling traditions. Her journey reflects a seamless blend of classical training, academic excellence, and artistic innovation, making her a pioneer in the field of puppetry.

Born on 20 December 1964 in Bengaluru, Anupama Hoskere was immersed in the arts from a very early age. Even before she began formal schooling, she was trained in Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam, two classical pillars of Indian performing arts. Alongside this, she absorbed the narratives of the great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which would later form the backbone of her creative work. These early influences instilled in her a deep appreciation for storytelling, rhythm, and expression—elements that would later define her puppetry productions.

Despite her artistic inclinations, Anupama pursued formal education with equal dedication. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from BMS College of Engineering in 1987 and later earned a Master of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach, in 1993. This combination of scientific training and artistic sensibility gave her a unique perspective, enabling her to approach puppetry not just as an art form but as a structured and evolving discipline. She also underwent rigorous training in the traditional puppetry techniques of Karnataka, grounding her in indigenous practices.

The turning point in her career came in 2004 when she, along with her husband Vidyashankar Hoskere, founded the Dhaatu Puppet Theater. The vision behind Dhaatu was clear—to bring India’s vast treasure of stories to contemporary audiences through a revitalized medium. Drawing inspiration from ancient texts, classical literature, and traditional folklore, Anupama began crafting productions that were both intellectually rich and visually captivating.

What sets Anupama Hoskere apart is her innovative approach to puppetry. Rather than limiting herself to conventional methods, she reimagined puppet theatre as a composite art form. By integrating elements of dance, theatre, music, and visual storytelling, she transformed it into a layered and immersive experience. Her deep study of the Natyashastra, the ancient Indian treatise on performing arts, played a crucial role in shaping her artistic direction. This fusion not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of her productions but also elevated puppetry to a classical status, gaining it recognition as a serious art form.

Under her leadership, Dhaatu Puppet Theater has produced over 25 full-length productions, each reflecting a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation. These productions have been showcased at prestigious international festivals across countries such as France, Belgium, Morocco, the United States, and China. Through these global मंचs, Anupama has successfully introduced international audiences to the depth and diversity of Indian storytelling traditions, positioning puppetry as a powerful medium of cultural exchange.

Anupama’s contributions extend beyond performance. She has been instrumental in creating platforms that nurture and promote puppetry as a living art. One of her most notable initiatives is the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival, an annual event that brings together puppeteers from across India and the world. The festival serves as a vibrant space for performances, workshops, and scholarly discussions, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among artists.

Another remarkable initiative is the Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava, which she began in 1995. This unique celebration features elaborate still-theatre displays composed of thousands of traditional dolls arranged in storytelling formats. These displays narrate episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata, and other sacred texts, offering audiences a visually rich and culturally immersive experience during the Dussehra festival. The scale and intricacy of these displays reflect her commitment to preserving traditional forms while making them accessible to modern audiences.

Education and preservation are central to Anupama’s mission. Through the Dhaatu Puppet Paathashala, she trains aspiring artists in the nuances of puppetry, ensuring the continuity of this ancient art. She has also established the Dhaatu Puppet Museum in Bengaluru, which houses a curated collection of puppets from different parts of India and around the world. This museum not only serves as a repository of cultural heritage but also as a learning space for researchers, students, and art enthusiasts.

Her contributions have been widely recognized both nationally and internationally. She was awarded the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar in 2018 for her excellence in puppetry. Additionally, she has received a Senior Fellowship in Puppetry from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Her global recognition is further highlighted by the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, through which she has taught Indian puppetry in universities across Europe, thereby spreading awareness of India’s artistic traditions on an international scale.

Anupama Hoskere’s work is not merely about preserving the past; it is about reinterpreting it for the present and future. In an age dominated by digital media and rapid technological change, she has demonstrated that traditional art forms can remain relevant by evolving thoughtfully. Her ability to connect ancient narratives with contemporary sensibilities has made her a bridge between generations and cultures.

In conclusion, Anupama Hoskere’s life and work exemplify the power of dedication, innovation, and cultural pride. Through her relentless efforts, she has transformed puppetry from a niche traditional craft into a globally respected art form. Her journey serves as an inspiration to artists, educators, and cultural enthusiasts alike, proving that with vision and perseverance, even the most ancient traditions can find new life in the modern world.