Teejanbai, a name synonymous with the ancient folk singing tradition of Pandwani, has inspired millions with her remarkable journey. Born on August 8, 1956, in Attari, a village near Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, her life was rooted in the nomadic Pardhi tribe. Her early years were spent with her maternal grandfather in Ganiyari village, where she first discovered her love for Pandwani – a unique storytelling art form that brings to life the tales of the Mahabharata through song, expression, and the rhythmic beats of the tambourine.
In her childhood, while the young ones of her tribe ventured into the forest, Teejanbai stayed home with her grandfather, Brajlal ji. He would often sing Pandwani to her, and young Teejan listened with rapt attention. With her sharp memory and keen interest, she quickly learned the stories. Soon, she was singing along with him, and her grandfather noticed her potential.
But, in the male-dominated Pardhi community, it was unheard of for women to perform Pandwani. Teejanbai faced opposition from her own family. Yet, her grandfather believed in her gift and continued to teach her. He even gave her a tambourine, the very instrument she continues to use in her performances today.
Teejanbai’s breakthrough came through sheer determination and hard work. At first, she performed at local festivals and fairs, singing devotional songs and film music. However, a recurring dream of a woman urging her to sing Pandwani led her to fully devote herself to this ancient art form. Under the guidance of Shri Umed Singh, she refined her skills and adopted the “Kapalik” style of Pandwani, which involves performing while standing. This was a bold move, as most women sang in the seated “Vedamati” style.
Her earnings were meager at first, but her talent was undeniable. The turning point came when renowned theater artist Habib Tanveer introduced her to a wider audience. Teejanbai performed for then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Delhi, and the rest is history.
From small village gatherings to performing on global stages, Teejanbai’s fame soared. She became the face of Pandwani, performing in every state of India and several countries across the world. Her dedication to preserving and promoting Indian culture has earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan.
Pandwani is a traditional folk singing style from Chhattisgarh, where singers narrate the stories of the Mahabharata with dramatic expression and a tambourine.
Her maternal grandfather, Brajlal ji, was her primary influence and teacher.
She performs in the Kapalik style, which involves standing while narrating.
Teejanbai has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, among other honors, and has performed worldwide, spreading Indian culture through her art.
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