Painting Gods on Empty Stomachs!

Embodying gods and goddesses

It's easy to get caught up in the glamour of performance, especially when it involves ancient stories and vibrant costumes. We see the Dashavatar actors on stage, embodying gods and goddesses, and it's breathtaking. But behind the designed and painted faces and it describes attire lies a reality that often goes unseen, a reality that resonates deeply with the struggles of many in our modern world.

When we consider that these performers, these guardians of tradition, often face the daily grind of empty pockets and rumbling stomachs, the weight of their dedication becomes even more deep. They aren't just acting; they're carrying the weight of their families, the anxieties of providing, the constant pressure of making ends meet. And yet, they choose to step onto that stage, to transport us to a world of myth and legend.

Think about it: in a society that often dictates rigid roles for men, these actors defy expectations. They go against the grain, embracing a form that requires them to portray women, often with grace and sensitivity. This isn't just about wearing a saree and some makeup. It's about embodying a different perspective, understanding and portraying emotions that society often deems "feminine." In a world that often boxes us in, their willingness to break free from these constraints is remarkable.

The Story

Such like that I have been came across with an incedent when i visited a small, happy village in Maharashtra called Zarap. One evening, the village was buzzing! Colorful stalls sold yummy snacks like vada-pav and sweet treats. Music played, and the temple sparkled with lights. It felt like a party!

I went to Zarap because I heard about something super cool: Dashavatar. It's like a play about old, old stories, about gods and heroes. I was so excited!

It was late, past 10:30 at night, but Zarap was still awake. I followed the happy sounds to a house. It was Samir Tendolkar's house. He's the leader of a group of actors who do Dashavatar. They've been doing it for 40 years!

Inside, the actors ate dinner. They had chicken, rice, and onions. They talked and laughed. They were getting ready for the big show! These actors weren't just acting; they were keeping these old stories alive. It made me think – these men often have empty pockets and rumbling stomachs, just like their families. Yet, they face society and dress up as women for this play. That's amazing! It takes real courage and dedication to do something like that, especially when things are tough.

After dinner, they walked to the temple. The smell of incense filled the air. The temple was going to be their stage.

Behind a curtain, they had a little room where they got ready. It was like a magic room! They put on makeup and costumes. They turned into gods and demons! It was awesome to watch. They painted their faces with bright colors and wore fancy clothes and jewelry. They looked like they came straight out of the stories!

It was almost midnight, and the temple courtyard was packed with people. Families came to watch. Kids sat on their parents' shoulders to see everything. Everyone was excited!

The curtain went up, and the show started! The stage became a magical place. The actors moved like they were dancing and spoke in loud, strong voices. They told the Dashavatar stories, about the ten forms of Vishnu, a super important god.

I watched, totally amazed. The actors were so good! They became the gods and demons. The stories were about good and bad, and they taught important lessons. It wasn't just acting; it felt like a prayer.

The Dashavatar show was so much fun! The music, the costumes, the makeup, and the acting – everything was wonderful. It was like going to a different world. It showed me how important stories are, and how they connect us to our culture.

When I left Zarap early in the morning, I felt like I had seen something really special. I remembered the bright colors, the powerful voices, and the happy faces of the villagers. The Dashavatar show was a magical night, a night I will never forget. It showed me that even in small villages, amazing things can happen. It was a night where old stories came to life under the stars. And it made me think about the actors, and how brave and dedicated they are, especially when life is hard

The Perspective

This act of stepping into another's shoes, of embodying a different gender, speaks volumes about their courage and their artistry. It’s a powerful statement, a quiet rebellion against the limitations that society tries to impose. They are saying, in essence, that art transcends gender, that storytelling is more important than societal norms.

In our modern world, where so much emphasis is placed on material success and conformity, these performers offer a different kind of heroism. Their dedication to their craft, their willingness to embrace vulnerability, and their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage, even in the face of hardship, is truly inspiring. They remind us that true strength isn't about wealth or power; it's about passion, resilience, and the courage to be true to oneself, even when it means going against the tide. They are a testament to the enduring power of art, a beacon of hope in a world that often feels lost in the pursuit of more. And their story, the story of men who face hardship and societal pressure to bring ancient stories to life, is a story worth telling, a story worth remembering.