Delhi146;s dreamworlds

The colony was established after Independence and is now home to over 300 families of performing artists. It comprises of a tiny labyrinth of narrow paths, framed by open sewers and dusty housefronts. Children bounce between the walls smiling shyly and yelling 8220;whatisyourname!8221; We arrive at a shoebox house and are greeted by puppeteer Jagdish Bhatt. Posters of Bollywood actresses line the walls and an austere wooden bed rests in the corner. A tiny television plays old footage of their past performances across the globe while a broken mirror reflects a scarred wall.

Delhi8217;s dust settles on the miniature houses, making Kathputli appear slowly decaying. Then the music begins 8212; a teenage boy plays harmonium and sings in a voice between childhood and manhood. Children gather at the doorway and tap their tiny hands and feet to the rhythm. Then the magician enters. 8220;Oh my GOD!8221; he yells as he flips through a notebook that appears to be full of pictures, writing and colours, and yet empty to people sitting in a different part of the room. Then comes the juggler with his metal balls, executing tricks and making twisting expressions that leave one oscillating between awe and disgust. As the performance ends, Jagdish shoos the children away. They disperse like little birds, their little arms flapping, bare legs moving up and down and their laughter echoing through the narrow corridors of the concrete labyrinth.