National Mime Festival, Jaipur (March 15-16, 2025) – A Report

Mime is an art form where performers use only their physical expressions and facial gestures to enact stories or depict events on stage without speaking. With no props, a mime artist relies solely on realistic body movements and expressions to create the illusion of objects and scenarios. When a performer captivates the audience with synchronized bodily gestures and emotive expressions, a theatrical presentation takes the shape of mime. As a significant facet of theater, mime has been an integral part of both classical and folk dramas in India. However, it has yet to receive the recognition afforded to classical dance and theater.

Padma Shri Niranjan Goswami has played a pivotal role in elevating mime to an esteemed art form. Through the Indian Mime Theatre in Kolkata, he has successfully organized numerous National Mime Festivals across the country. His efforts have also extended to conducting workshops to engage young generations in this expressive art. For years, Jaipur Rainbow Society has been working alongside the Indian Mime Theatre and National Mime Institute to promote mime. This dedication culminated in the successful organization of the National Mime Festival in Jaipur on March 15-16, 2025.

With the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and IIS University, Jaipur, the Rainbow Society inaugurated the National Mime Festival @25 at A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Auditorium in Mansarovar on the evening of March 15. Dedicated to the memory of renowned educationist and visionary Dr. Ashok Gupta, the festival showcased the extraordinary talent of artists from West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Rajasthan.

The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by eminent dignitaries, including IIS University Vice Chancellor Dr. T.N. Mathur, Trustees Shri Amit Gupta and Shri Sumit Gupta, Registrar Dr. Rakhi Gupta, Festival Director Siraj Ahmad Bhati, Rainbow Society’s Mohammad Salim Bhati, and esteemed theater director Padma Shri Niranjan Goswami.

To honor the esteemed founder of Indian Mime Theatre, Niranjan Goswami, dignitaries presented him with a ceremonial turban and an honorary shawl. They also extended a warm welcome to all participating artists. Speaking on the occasion, IIS University Vice Chancellor Dr. T.N. Mathur remarked, "Dr. Ashok Gupta dedicated his entire life to the upliftment of women’s education and the preservation of art and culture." Trustee Shri Amit Gupta emphasized, "My father, Dr. Ashok Gupta, firmly believed in discipline, innovation, and quality education." Shri Sumit Gupta shared inspiring anecdotes, adding, "He was deeply passionate about cultural activities, and we will continue to uphold his noble vision."

In memory of Dr. Ashok Gupta, Rainbow Society’s Vilas Janve led the audience in observing a minute of silence. This was followed by a soulful tribute through his favorite song, A Chal Ke Tujhe Mein Le Ke Chalun Ek Aise Gagan Ke Tale. As the melody resonated, a large screen on stage displayed cherished moments from his life, bringing a heartfelt remembrance that the audience joined in singing.

The inaugural performance of the festival was Euthanasia, a thought-provoking mime play conceptualized and directed by Siraj Ahmad Bhati of Rainbow Society, Jaipur. The poignant performance, featuring Vichitra Singh, Priyanka Chandani, Ramkesh Meena, and Ruel Bhati, deeply moved the audience.

The following act, Hurdle Full Honeymoon, presented by Martand Foundation, Udaipur, was a delightful comedy by mime artists Kiran Janve and Vilas Janve, leaving the audience in fits of laughter. Delhi-based artist Preeti Gupta captivated the spectators with a compelling portrayal of episodes from Gautam Buddha’s life. Assam’s Nirbak troupe, led by Minanka Deka and Deepak Prasad Shah, garnered thunderous applause for their performances Temple Visit, Letter to God, and I Love You.

The festival also featured a morning mime workshop for art enthusiasts and aspiring performers. Under the guidance of Padma Shri Niranjan Goswami, attendees explored elements of Natya Shastra, honing their expressive skills through practical exercises. The workshop also welcomed contributions from renowned mime artists, including Kunal Motling from Mumbai, Suvendu Mukhopadhyay from West Bengal, Vichitra Singh and Asif Sher Ali from Jaipur, and Kiran and Vilas Janve from Udaipur, each sharing insights into their unique styles. Jaipur-based choreographer Shyam Mahawar introduced participants to rhythmic movement techniques. Additionally, the fourth edition of the International Annual Mime Journal, published by Assam’s Nirbak, was unveiled by Padma Shri Niranjan Goswami.

The evening of March 16 featured an exceptional performance by West Bengal’s acclaimed mime artist Suvendu Mukhopadhyay. His three acts—Illusion, demonstrating impeccable body control, Love, and Dentist—kept the audience enthralled. He was accompanied by Subrata Das, who added to the spectacle.

Kunal Motling from Thane, Maharashtra, presented The Lost Gift, depicting the fading innocence of childhood in today’s fast-paced world. His performance, alongside Jaipur’s child artist Dyotiman Khandelwal, was both entertaining and nostalgic. Jaipur’s Asif Sher Ali delivered a thought-provoking act, Culture, highlighting the impact of modern lifestyle on traditional values and the perils of plastic pollution.

During the festival, a group of enthusiastic trainees under the mentorship of Vilas and Kiran Janve performed Dust-Free Dustbin, a short mime play conveying an amusing yet powerful message about cleanliness. The young performers impressed the audience while instilling awareness about hygiene in an entertaining manner.

At the closing ceremony, all participating artists were felicitated with mementos. Esteemed guests included Abhishek Mudgal, Stage Manager of the National School of Drama, theater director Sandeep Lele, and IIS University faculty members Dr. Aditi Khandelwal and Dr. Suman Rathore.

Guided by the vision of Padma Shri Niranjan Goswami and supported by Dr. Rakhi Gupta, the festival successfully invigorated the spirit of mime art among enthusiasts and performers alike.

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Rainbow Society, and IIS University, Jaipur, this National Mime Festival has undoubtedly carved a new chapter in Rajasthan’s cultural landscape.

Manali Singh – Jaipur