MANGALURU: As you come to Kalladka, a tiny village in Dakshina Kannada’s Bantwal taluk, and ask for Ramesh Kalladka, you are directed to Shilpa Sadan, the office-cum-studio of Kalladka Shilpa Gombe Balaga. Enter the place and a vibrant riot of colours and life-like dolls welcome you. This is the home of Ramesh Kalladka’s famous puppetry troupe. The dolls have an ubiquitous presence, as they are often seen at weddings, celebrations or public events.
So you have kings, queens and ordinary mortals. There are also historical and mythical figures, celebrities and even theme-based figurines.
The troupe has taken part twice in the Mysuru Dasara. However, as the Mangaluru Dasara is also held simultaneously, Ramesh prefers to perform back home.
The puppets wear expressions — happy, sad or serious — depending on the character. When puppet players put on the doll faces and costumes, they stand tall, even up to 15ft. Every year, Ramesh creates new themes. He ensures that he spreads social message like protecting wildlife and forests.
The idea of doll-making occurred to Ramesh when he saw a mask at a festival in Shivamogga in 1986. A signboard artist then, Ramesh found his calling. He started to experiment at home and introduced puppets at a Ganesha festival in Kalladka the same year.
“When people lauded my effort, I decided to introduce it at the Mosaru Kudike utsava in 1986. Later, my team was called by Dharmastala’s Dr D Veerendra Heggade to perform during Makkala Mela in 1987, which was the turning point in my career. Now, our Shilpa Gombe Balaga is always busy as we receive invitations to perform outside the state also,” says Ramesh.
If art forms like Keelu Kudure, Kamsale Nritya, Nandi Kolu Kunita and Halakki Kunita originated in other districts, Gombe Kunita originated in Kalladka. Though puppet dance existed earlier, Ramesh’s innovations have given it a new idiom. His three children assist him. Over 25 people are engaged as part-time workers at the studio. They are mainly from the working class —daily wage workers, drivers and plumbers, who turn puppet dancers.
Alcohol is a strict no-no during the show. “I want their original energy. I don’t want their performance influenced by alcohol. If I find someone has consumed it, I replace the person,” says the Rajyotsava award winner.