More than cricket and Bollywood

India is more than just cricket and Bollywood but walking around the art galleries in Sydney and attending a few programs at the recently concluded Parramasala in Sydney, one could be forgiven in assuming that Indians only take the effort to attend Bollywood programs or enjoy watching cricket on their televisions.

Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of Indian cultural, educational and artistic programs around Sydney. Earlier this year, the Sydney Festival included a number of Indian shows that became soldout events (AR Rahman, The Manganiyar Seduction, Nine Lives). Only this month, the well-known Sculpture by the Sea event had two entries from India that proved to be quite popular. Sculpture by the Sea is a free annual event, presented on one of the most scenic spots in this city – the Bondi to Tamarama cliff walk. On a clear day with the blue skies above and the deep blue ocean on the left, this walk itself is a treat. Art sculptures along the path are an additional treat, and then discovering a few pieces by contemporary Indian artists further adds to the experience for us.

Which brings us to the recently concluded Parramasala, an entire event dedicated to Indian shows. As a performing arts festival,

BY PAWAN LUTHRA

it tried its best to showcase India. In many cases, there were presentations from either end of a spectrum - we had experimental music from a cutting edge composer of the likes of Nitin Sawhney, as well as classical music and the earthy sounds of rustic Rajasthan; bharatanatyam and kathak, and folk dances and fusions; contemporary Bollywood music from Kailash Kher and a restored 1929 film from one of the founding fathers of the industry; photographic exhibitions of families, and stand-up comics talking of the same thing.

There was something for everyone. And this was reflected in the pricing too – you could do it high end, or take it in free. And some 50,000 people lapped it up.

It was wonderful to see the participation from mainstream Australians who seemed to enjoy all the Indian culture at their doorstep.

Just as we go to press, Sydney’s Macquarie University is preparing for the launch of its India Research Centre. A cursory glance at its program of actions reveals a wealth of academic endeavour on India – not just in terms of political and business relations between the two countries and communitybased issues, but particularly in the arts field: music, poetry, translation, urban cinema, folk arts, even ‘folk religion’.

The Indians in Australia are certainly a pampered lot. We continue to enjoy our Bollywood options, with latest movies screening at the multiplexes, as well as entertainers touring here with increasing regularity. At the same time, we have a wonderful opportunity to also savour the rich offerings for us in cultural events in the mainstream. Many of these are totally free of charge (eg the Sydney Festival’s AR Rahman concert, the shows in Parramasala, Sculpture by the Sea). All we have to do is make the most of these opportunitiesthis will be enough thanks to those in our new home who take the effort to bring these to us.

Poem

Harry Potter, the series

Harry Potter 1, Was loads of fun. Had a nice long run, And was very well done!

Harry Potter 2, Got a great review. Too long was the queue But all made it through!

Harry Potter 3, It was great, said she (my sister, who likes tea). It was fabulous, said me!

Harry Potter 4, I truly did adore It was great for sure, And I really wanted more!

Harry Potter 5, Pleasure did derive Characters came alive, And the series was in thrive!

Harry Potter 6, Got plenty of ticks. Clever magic tricks, Made it best of the flicks!

Harry Potter 7, I’m in heaven!

I’m seeing it with Bevan, My sister’s going with Helen! Manan