“My husband and I are specialists in the art of leather puppetry craft. It is an ancient form of folk art in India. We travel across different parts of India to showcase our art form. This art is traditionally known by the name Tholu Bommalata and I learnt this art form at my in-law’s place.

Our village, Nimmalkunta, is famous for this craft. We perform puppetry shows based on various Indian Mythological epics and also create awareness on various social aspects such as HIV AIDS and its prevention, cleanliness, awareness about various contagious diseases using our folk art form.

The senior artists of our community say that centuries ago leather puppeteers from Maharashtra migrated to Andhra Pradesh and chose to settle in Nimmalkunta. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj encouraged the artisans to migrate and spread the art and culture throughout India.

My husband, Shri Khande Sreenivasulu, is a national award winner in leather puppetry. He’s currently in our village and we are getting ready for the shows this year. We are on a mission to spread this art form across different parts of the world and we are also ready to train the youngsters in the future. The ongoing Covid 19 pandemic has definitely impacted our livelihood due to the limitations in public gatherings, however, we are hopeful for the future and we are thankful to the government and also the handicraft association who were supporting us during these difficult times.”