Lucknow: Lucknow’s celebrated storyteller, Himanshu Bajpai, has etched a remarkable milestone in cultural exchange by showcasing the rich tradition of Daastangoi—the ancient art of storytelling—on an international stage. His recent performances in Moscow have not only highlighted the essence of Lakhnavi culture but also created a unique bridge between India and Russia.
Himanshu’s visit to Russia was marked by two significant storytelling sessions. The first took place on November 30, 2024, at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, where he presented his latest story, centered around the legendary friendship between actor-director Raj Kapoor and lyricist Shailendra. This was a historic event as it marked the first time a Daastangoi gathering was hosted at the Indian Embassy in Russia. Following this, on December 1, 2024, Himanshu performed the same story at the world-renowned Writers Village in Peredelkino, a hub for global literary luminaries established in the Soviet era under the patronage of literary giant Maxim Gorky. This too was a first—an Indian program hosted at this prestigious venue.
Historic Performances Celebrated by Dignitaries
The event at the Indian Embassy was organized under the aegis of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Center (JNCC), the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), and Hindustani Samaj Moscow. It was graced by prominent figures including India’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Russia, Nikhlesh Giri, who was the chief guest, along with Madhur Kankana Rai, Director of the JNCC, and leaders from Hindustani Samaj Russia, such as its President, Kashmir Singh, and General Secretary, Pragati Tipnis. Literary stalwarts like Madhav Kaushik, President of the Central Sahitya Akademi, and Sonu Saini, a professor and translator from Jawaharlal Nehru University, also attended.
During his performance, Himanshu transported the audience to post-independence India, recounting the story of a chance encounter between Raj Kapoor and Shailendra at a Mushaira in Mumbai. Shailendra’s powerful poem, Jalta hai, jalta hai Punjab hamara pyara, captivated Kapoor, who urged the poet to write lyrics for his films. Initially, Shailendra refused, stating he did not write for money. However, when financial hardship struck in 1949, Kapoor extended a helping hand by offering ₹500, solidifying a lifelong friendship.
The Daastan traced their collaborative journey, including the creation of timeless songs like the title track of Awara, which Kapoor initially rejected before it became a historic success. Another highlight was the genesis of Ramaiya Vastavaiya, inspired by a chance interaction with a dhaba waiter in Andhra Pradesh. The story concluded with anecdotes surrounding Teesri Kasam, a film that epitomized their shared commitment to meaningful cinema.
Cross-Cultural Resonance
Both Indians and Russians attended the performances, with Pragati Tipnis translating the Daastan into Russian for local audiences. The response from the Russian attendees was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the universal appeal of storytelling.
Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhlesh Giri lauded Himanshu’s ability to weave a narrative so vivid that it felt as though the events were unfolding before the audience. “This mesmerizing style of storytelling was a revelation,” he said, adding that efforts would be made to bring Himanshu back to Russia next year. Pragati Tipnis emphasized the cultural significance of the performances, stating, “This was the first time people in Russia were introduced to this profound Indian genre. Himanshu Bajpai has played a pivotal role in bringing our cultures closer.”
A Triumph for Lakhnavi Culture
Himanshu Bajpai’s performances in Moscow have marked a significant step in the global recognition of Daastangoi. His ability to breathe life into tales of friendship, artistry, and cultural evolution has not only revived interest in this traditional art form but also strengthened ties between India and Russia.
As Lucknow’s ambassador of storytelling, Himanshu continues to inspire with his dedication to preserving and promoting the heritage of Daastangoi. With plans to revisit Russia and further opportunities for cultural exchange, his journey is a testament to the enduring power of stories to transcend borders and connect hearts.
