With the declining popularity of performing artiste troupes, an exhibition by a city photojournalist throws light on the life and times of one of India’s longest running circuses
Rambo Circus
Like most artiste-driven industries, the entertainment industry suffered large-scale losses due to the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns. While many were safe at home, the ones who suffered the most were those that lived from paycheck to paycheck. And members of most circus units — mini ecosystems that follow a nomadic life — were among them. While several circuses had to shut down, PT Dilip’s Rambo Circus, one of the largest circus groups in India, didn’t disband. Now run by his sons, Sujit Dilip and Sumit Dilip, the troupe continues to be a household name.
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Chronicling their journey so far, from their housefull shows, to the struggles of individual performers off-stage, photojournalist Nitin Sonawane’s Rambo Circus: The show must go on! showcases vignettes and frames from the lives and work of these circus folks. Sonawane, who has been documenting the group for the past 12 years, reveals that their passion and dedication spurred him, “I have always photographed for social causes. When I came across Rambo Circus, I was moved by their passion for their art despite not getting much out of it, monetarily.”
A performer balances on a rope
The exhibition is a 360-degree focus that includes frames from shows as well as their backstage lives, where artists can be seen eating from a shared plate or in some other frames, pursuing their hobbies. “I always thought that performing in a circus is the only art they know, as they dedicate so much of their time to it. But as I observed them over longer time, I realised that many were highly educated, and had served in the Indian Army or Indian Navy, as well as the Indian Railways and other government jobs. They did not restricted their talent to being just a circus artiste,” elaborates Sonawane.
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The photojournalist hopes that the exhibition will pave the way for these artistes to get their due. He adds, “We watch dance shows on the television where participants perform great tricks. Circuses are live acts that give you the same opportunity along with so much more. These performing artistes are not given respect and recognition; they are not even considered artistes by many.”
An artiste plays his guitar backstage while his colleague listens
Sonawane states that Rambo Circus has given him strength and motivation to move ahead in life in the most difficult times. He hopes that others see them in a similar light, “They inspire me. This family of 80 has been working and communicating smoothly despite the barriers of ethnicity, language, age and religion,” he concludes.
Till: March 3; 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)
At: The Photographic Society of India, 5th Floor, Saheb Building, Dr DN Road, Fort
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