Lucknow | The cultural space Lucknow Bioscope came alive with an evening of immersive storytelling and performance as it hosted Addebazi, featuring Panchtantra Uncensored. The session, performed by Valentina Trivedi and Nitin Sukhija, offered audiences a refreshing and thought-provoking revisit to one of India’s most enduring literary traditions.
Rooted in the ancient text Panchatantra, originally composed around 300 BCE by Vishnu Sharma, the performance explored the deeper philosophical and political layers often overshadowed by its popular identity as children’s literature. The Panchatantra, in its original conception, was a sophisticated treatise on niti—imparting lessons on governance, strategy, and human behaviour.
“These stories are far more than animal fables. They were created to educate princes and offer knowledge drawn from all walks of life,” said Trivedi, emphasizing the intellectual depth of the narratives. She further reflected on the fading recognition of these roots, noting the vast and timeless wisdom embedded in these tales.
Opening the session, Sukhija narrated the story of King Amar Singh and his three inept sons, setting the stage for the origin of the Panchatantra. He recounted how the scholar Vishnu Sharma undertook the challenge of transforming the princes into wise rulers within six months through storytelling.
The performance unfolded through sections such as Mitra Bheda, bringing alive the layered storytelling, wit, and moral complexity that define the text. The engaging format encouraged audience interaction, making the experience both participatory and reflective.
The evening stood out for its ability to bridge classical literature with contemporary sensibilities, allowing audiences in Lucknow to reconnect with the enduring relevance of these ancient narratives.
Valentina Trivedi is a writer, performer, and educator known for her multifaceted engagement with storytelling. A published author and TEDx speaker, she works across writing, translation, performance, and direction. As a dastango, she often blends music with narrative and focuses on reinterpreting folk traditions for modern audiences.
Nitin Sukhija brings over 28 years of experience in television and film. Currently based in Lucknow, he serves as Creative Director at BFC Content and hosts the YouTube podcast Basic Funde Clear. Drawing from mythology and folklore, he reimagines timeless stories with a contemporary lens.
Through Addebazi, Lucknow Bioscope once again reaffirmed its role as a vibrant platform for cultural dialogue—where tradition meets innovation, and stories continue to evolve with each telling.
