“Jatra is the root of today’s flourishing contemporary theatre scene in Bangladesh. But, this age-old folk art form is not finding a place in our everyday entertainment list, and is losing its appeal day by day. To restore Jatra to its former glory days Jatra-aficionados like me have come forward. My production house, Jatravision is holding a five-day Jatra festival titled Robi Jatra Utsab in Jabra village of Manikganj,” said Aruna Biswas in a conversation with daily sun, recently.
A promoter of Jatra, Aruna Biswas, one of the talented actresses of the country had her debut in acting as a child artiste in Jatra. There is hardly any arena where the senior actress has not left her mark. Apart from acting in numerous TV plays she has also acted in over 90 films.
Aruna Biswas has also carved a niche in direction as well. She has directed numerous TV plays. Plays like Onnorokomer Lojja, Papiya, Drishtidaan, Shure Aka Chobi and Boro Didi,directed by Aruna Biswas have turned out to be successful productions.
Speaking about her recent projects Aruna shared, “ATN Bangla is airing a 26-episode TV serial titled Lorai, which is directed by me. Apart from that I am also directing a single-episode TV play, Kabitar Golpo which will be aired on the coming Eid.”
But her recent venture is to revive Jatra from its terrible state. Daughter of the legendary Jatra artistes Amulendu Biswas and Jyotsna Biswas, Aruna Biswas is working to promote Jatra through her production house, Jatravision.
Speaking about the Jatra festival Aruna Biswas said, “As an effort to promote the Jatra, Robi Jatra Utshab, a nationwide Jatra festival is currently on going which kicked off on 4 July in Jabra village of Manikganj. Arranged by Jatravision, the festival was formally inaugurated by Promod Mankin, State Minister for Cultural Affairs.”
When asked about the selection of the venue for the festival, she said, “As the festival is arranged in the memory of Amelendu Biswas, we chose Jabra village as it is his native village.”
“125 Jatra troupes from all over Bangladesh are taking part in this festival. From them, 30 groups will be selected primarily. From them the top three will be judged and awarded with accolades. The festival is financially supported by mobile phone operator Robi,” Aruna added.
While speaking about the present state of Jatra, she said, “To restore Jatra to its previous state Jatravision is working on its own way. As the expectation and entertainment taste of the general mass is changing with time, Jatra also can not remain the same. To make Jatra contemporary and suitable for the present time, we are working to introduce changes in it. From backdrop to set, props to costume, or even make-up should be modernised.”
“The time and duration of a Jatra performance also should be changed. Usually, a show of Jatra starts at 11pm, in the night which can be explained for the drop in viewers of Jatra as it hampers their daily life. So, we are holding Jatra performances in the evening instead of late at night,” she informed.
While speaking about her passion for Jatra, she said, “Jatra is in my veins. The passion I have for this art, I received it from my parents who were the legendry Jatra artistes of the country. When I was 4 I appeared before the audience as a child artiste during a Jatra performance.”
Aruna Biswas concluded her conversation expressing her firm determination to take the Jatra scene forward.
-With Daily Sun input
