Reviving the lost art of storytelling

Hindustan Times | By
May 05, 2017 06:24 PM IST

India’s first female ‘dastango’, Fouzia Dastango, aims to bring back a love of literature across all generations

Fouzia Dastango grew up being warned by her mother not to cook up stories. Fortunately, she couldn’t stop herself, because today, she has mastered the art of dastangoi (storytelling), and turned it into a profession, making her one of the very few women in this male dominated world.

Fouzia Dastango is passionate about stories that tell us about our own culture(Raj K Raj)
Fouzia Dastango is passionate about stories that tell us about our own culture(Raj K Raj)
My mother couldn’t comprehend why I would want to leave the respectable and well-earning job of a lecturer and become a storyteller.

Though her Old Delhi background helps Fouzia give her stories real life ambience, it also works against her in a way.

Fouzia Dastango reading out Nanhi Ki Nani in her inimitable style at Art Hub, South Extension (Raj K Raj)
Fouzia Dastango reading out Nanhi Ki Nani in her inimitable style at Art Hub, South Extension (Raj K Raj)

Listen and learn

“I look forward to reading out stories to even three-year-olds. I just want the younger generations to read and listen to stories about our great culture.”

Fouzia’s biggest fear is losing her voice and forgetting her lines. It happened to her on one occasion during a performance, and it left her terrified. “Someone’s mobile suddenly screamed during my performance, and for the next 10 seconds, I was frozen and blanked out. Fortunately, I recovered soon, but the episode was very scary,” she says.

Experience the old-world charm of Delhi through a heritage walk with HT! Participate now.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
×
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
My Offers
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Register Free and get Exciting Deals