New Delhi: A story portrays the social and cultural activity of sharing emotions. Each story reflects its own existence, which can share or perform as a source for entertainment, education, cultural preservation, or imparting moral values. Crucial components of stories are narrating, integrating plot, characters, and story perspective.
Recently, on March 28, Dastangoi Collective completed its 16 years. Dastangoi is the revival of an art form of storytelling which was lost for almost 90 years. It is rediscovered art of Urdu storytelling. The Persian style of storytelling was revived by Mahmood Farooqui. The old Dastans restored from scriptures, and modern ones written by Mahmood are the subject of performance.
Dastangoi is the lost art form of storytelling. Mahmood Farooqui, a historian, writer, and performer based in Delhi, revived this art form. Together with his team, he is putting this art form back on the performing arts map. Dastangoi Collective is located at A-239, 2nd floor, Bharat Nagar, New Friends Colony.
On March 28, Dastangoi Collective shared a photo on Facebook with a caption, “16 years of dastangoi- 2005-2021. Revival and restoration of the lost art of Urdu storytelling.”
16 years of dastangoi- 2005-2021. Revival and restoration of the lost art of Urdu storytelling.
Posted by Dastangoi Collective on Sunday, 28 March 2021
The word Dastangoi refers to the art of storytelling, it is a compound of two Persian words Dastan and goi which means to tell a Dastan. Dastans were epics, often oral in nature, which was recited or read aloud and in essence were like medieval romances everywhere.
According to Mahmood Farooqui, “People started telling stories to entertain themselves, to converse, to share the joy... reading, learning came afterward. Dastan is a long story, whereas Theatre works in acts. And of course props, sets, music, dance, entry exits, ensemble of actors etc. are few things which make Dastangoi different from a stage/play production.”
Mahmood Farooqui shared his experience in two lines, “Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain, ishq ke inthaan aur bhi hain.”
“History can be shown through Dastangoi apart from stories,” he added.
He also gave tips to newcomers, “Dastangoi is a pakka raag of performing arts, so prepare yourself for a long riyaaz.”
