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MAHESH DOLLU AND GROUP

Mahesh is a folk dance artist who has been performing Dollu Kunitha. He has been a part of Karnataka Janapada Kala team which has been created and registered under the name Kempe Gowda Janapada Kala team. His team has been conducting programmes for the last 20 years. This being an art form for the men of Karnataka, in the sense, it has to be performed with a lot of effort and energy. His team has been performing these programmes across all states for the last 20 years. According to Mahesh, as far as the origin of Dollu Kunitha is concerned, it is said that there was a demon named Dolla-asura. He prayed rigorously to Lord Shiva. In return, he requested Lord Shiva to grant him a wish. Dolla-asura swallowed Lord Shiva. After being swallowed by Dolla-asura, LordShiva grew in massive proportion inside the demon’s stomach. Being unable to bear the pain, Dolla-asura pleaded Lord Shiva to come out. Lord Shiva came out by tearing open the demon’s stomach, killing him in the process. Lord Shiva used the demon’s stomach and the skin to make the drum. The demon’s arms were used as sticks to beat the drum. The demon’s intestine was used to make the band wear the drums around the neck. Lord Shiva expressed his anger through this violent form of dance.

According to Mahesh, his team members are versatile and can perform various jobs. While some are drivers, farmers there are others who have taken up government jobs. However, for a few of them, Dollu Kunitha is the sole profession. Apart from this, he believes in moving on with life as per the God’s will. Though the team comprises of drivers, farmers and government employees whenever an opportunity arises for a programme all of them come together to perform. They lead their life from the earnings so generated. Mahesh along with his team has performed in all most all states of India like Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Gujarat, and Ahmadabad. They can be contacted for the shows by their phone numbers. They mainly get the shows through the Kannada and Culture, Bengaluru Programme Center.

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Contact MAHESH at +91 9845716857