Young Designers 2011

		Young Designers 2011
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Seeratt Dhillon | seeratt1457@gmail.com

Mir Alam

Film and Video Communication | GDPD
Guide: S B Saksena
Sponsor: Self Sponsered

Keywords
Documentary
Music
Folk Tradition
Revival

My diploma film is a documentary on the significant role of Mirasis (entertainers) in the cultural life of Punjab. They entertain people with their pungent witticism, mimicry, humorous and satirical dialogues and pantomimes. Mirasis are known by their various names such as Naquals, Bhand, Dum, Mir Alam and Mardaneke. Through this film, I wanted to create awareness about this community and help in reviving their traditions.

In the old days, the Mirasis were encouraged and patronized by feudal lords and sometimes found employment in courts. In today’s fast-changing world, with new innovations and many more avenues for entertainment, people have stopped calling Mirasis to perform for them. Many have left this age-old profession to find other jobs.

Work on the film started with a four-month research phase during which I travelled all over Punjab. I shot this film over ten days of travel, music and learning. In order to capture the ambience, I used on-location sound, but as a result had many difficulties during the post-production phase. Through this film, I have touched upon the kinds of entertainment offered and performances by the Mirasis. It also gives an overview of their origin, their religious faith and how this community is perceived by others. Describing this community and their rusticity is what I have achieved through this film.

This project has given me an opportunity to go back to my roots and understand the traditions I grew up with. I hope I have managed to communicate the same to a larger audience.