MYSORE: Most mimicry artistes imitate celebrities, but this woman mimics mother nature. Geetha Montadaka (47) is the first woman in Karnataka to mimic about 120 different sounds heard in nature. The sounds she mimics are stunningly real, so much so that while imitating animals, they actually respond. She can with ease imitate the sound of the breeze, a passing vehicle, the chirping of a bird and much more.
Hailing from a poor farming family in Sulya in Dakshina-Kannada, she started practicing this rare skill from a young age in the forest near her house. In the beginning, she began imitating birds and animals she saw. But when she started getting a response from them, it inspired her to make this a hobby.
She has been working at Rangayana as an artiste for the last 23 years and has appeared in several plays. She has also received over 500 awards including two state-level awards. She has performed all over India and also abroad in USA, Germany and Austria. She has also lent her talent to create awareness about AIDS among the public.
“What started as a hobby became a habit with a lot of practice. Most people think mimicry is an art meant only for males. I wanted to show that even women can do it,” said Geeta.