Come poll season, social networking and mobile applications may be handy for politicos in the cyber space, but folk artistes are the most effective entities that add colour and tone for elections campaign in the physical world. In tune with parties’ preparations for elections, folk artistes are gearing up for the eventful season ahead.
Their job does not confine to dancing, singing and performing human pyramid shows during elections canvassing or party public meetings. Lot of effort goes behind every song and performance and dance troupes sweat it out round the clock.
Different ideologies Many are unaware of the hard work behind the performances. Ideologies differ from party to party, and one needs to study party ideologies or a particular candidate’s profile before working for them. A lot of homework is done, and then songs are written and tones composed. It is not that easy, explains K. Nancharaiah, team leader of International Janapada Dappula Brundam, Ghantasala mandal.
Generally, dance troupes perform in a batch of 10 to 15 artistes depending on the party’s requirements and the candidate’s budget. “With the municipal elections on, bookings are slowly picking up, and once the Assembly elections fever catches up, we will have to spend many sleepless nights,” says Nancharaiah.
Most dance troupes hail from Challapalli, Kuchipudi, Bandar, Pedamuru, Kodur, Ghantsala and other villages. There are about three to four troupes in few villages, and at the end of the day, artistes say they are paid Rs. 600 to Rs. 700 per day, excluding food and transportation.
Part-time job Most artistes take up dancing and singing as part-time job and agriculture farming being the full time job. “Our main livelihood comes from agriculture, but we look forward to this season. At times, due to hectic work, we request our friends or relatives to care of the field, in case we travel to different place,” explains C. Nagaraju, an artiste from Garikaparru.
