FRIDAY PRAYERS AT HAZARATBAL SRINAGAR.. 1950
(A
PHOTOGRAPH BY ENAKSHI BHAVNANI)
WHO
IS THIS ENAKSHI BHAVNANI ?
Not many of us know that Enakashi Bhavnani ( Enakshi Rama Rao before her marriage ) has done an enormous
service to expose Indian dances and Designs to West. No lesser is her
contribution to expose Kashmir Crafts and Designs ( Fabric , Wood and Papier
Mache ) to west. I was told by an American Tourist in Kerala recently about her
detailed work on kashmir Designs ( shawls , Jackets , Namdas and carpets etc )
. I was ignorant about this side of Enakshi's personality and work. I knew her
contribution as a Dancer, photographer and actress only.Two scholarly Books
written by Enakshi Bhavnani were also made known to me . Both the books are
preserved in American Museum of Natural History.These are ..
(1)
Folk And Tribal Designs of India
(2)
The Dance of India: The Origin and History Foundation, Art and Science of the
Dance in India .
I was told that this exceptionally talented woman stayed in
kashmir for sometime in 1950 and met
cross section of people connected with Arts and Crafts . She had been a visitor thereafter as well . She also visited
Leh and kargil for her Book. During this period she also clicked some
photographs in kashmir portraying its rich culture and scenic beauty.She also
shot a Documentary “ VALE OF KASHMIR “ during this period..
Enakshi was an active member of the Crafts Council of India,
which was founded in 1964 to support artisans and keep their crafts relevant
and marketable amid rapidly changing economies at home and abroad..
And in her book on folk dances of India , Enakshi covers all
forms of kashmirian folk dances .
Enakshi married film maker Mohan Bhavnanai ( 1903-1962 ) who was
trained in Germany and Hollywood. She was a dancer , Actor , Photographer
and writer on Arts , Crafts and
culture. From 1939 to 1938,She acted in six films as a leading lady . Out of
these six films five ( Vasantsena ,
Trapped ,Jagaran , Himalaya ki Beti and
Yungrilla ) were directed by her husband Mohan Bhavnani . Only Shiraz ( 1929
Produced by Himanshu Roy ) was directed by Franz Osten .
The Photographs clicked by her have also appeared in National Geographic
Magazine especially her series" A Journey to Little Tibbet 1951”
( Autar Mota )
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Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.