CHENNAI: Gadagada gudugudu.. gadagada gudugudu,” Asha rhymes and starts addressing a group of children sitting in front of her. The second time she repeated “Gadagada gudugudu.. gadagada gudugudu,” even the adults joined her. Asha, who hails from a teaching background, belongs to the Chennai’s Storytellers Association. “I was told stories while having food. I was so fascinated by this, I took up storytelling. As a storyteller, I believe in reviving old stories, traditions and passing them to the younger ones,” said Asha.
But what was the ‘gadagada, gudugudu’ all about? Well, Asha was narrating the story of Krishna Rao who owns the Woodlands Hotel, a city landmark. As she finishes the story, Sharanya went on stage and begins dancing to the songs of the good old Madras. She enlightens the kids about five things Madras is famous for — the Marina beach, hot idlis with a variety of chutney, the Vandaloor zoo, Sem Mozhi Poonga and the Rajni craze. As she finishes, Banu jumps onto the stage and narrates the story of Thiruverkaadu Amman temple.
The trio has been associated with storytelling for many years, and now has learnt new tricks to ensure kids can relate to what they say. “Well, a few kids grasp immediately, while a few look at our actions and pick it up slowly. For some others, it is the rhyming words and songs that help them understand what is told. So when it comes to Madras Day stories, we try and incorporate all of these so that they can relate it to,” says Sharanya.
Today, Chennai has many heritage buildings and sites. How important is it for kids to know about these historic structures? “I personally feel it’s very important for all of us who stay/live in this city to know about it’s history and heritage,” says Banu. Of all the places that have become history, Asha says she misses the Moore Market complex most. “Well, I treasure the hours I spent shopping there. I still remember buying books for 90 paisa, a basket for 25 paisa and I miss that place a lot.”
As she finishes, Sharanya drifts her thoughts to the days when Drive-in Woodlands was a happening-spot in the city. “The bread and peas that used to be served there for breakfast used to be my favourite. The bread would be toasted with butter on plain tawa with the onion, tomato and green peas curry. Even today I pine for it,” she laughed.