Art with a cause: Ventriloquist Dharya Pandya creates social awareness with his puppet
Ventriloquist Dharya Pandya from Ahmedabad poses with his Dodo.
Photo by Vishal Mansukhani
Dharya Pandya (28), a celebrated ventriloquist and a standup comedian from the bustling city of Ahmedabad district of Gujarat is working towards promoting social causes with ventriloquism. Beginning as a mere hobby, he developed his talent into a recognized career. With the ability he has breathe life into his puppet Dodo and captivates the audience with his performances.
Dharya’s performances are more than just entertainment. He conducts shows in Gujrati that carry social messages, address issues including environmental conservation, social justice and cultural harmony. Blending humor with serious content, Dharya enthralls audiences. People of all ages enjoy his entertaining and thought-provoking shows.
With Dodo (his puppet) as an integral part of him, Dharya works relentlessly promoting social causes deep into the minds of his audiences. He performs at the reputed theaters in Ahmedabad connecting with people.
Journey and challenges
Dharya discovered his passion for ventriloquism while still a child. As a kid, the world of puppetry mesmerized him and he found joy in making different voices and narrating stories using his puppet. This early fascination marked the beginning of his career. Facing skepticism from his peers and family, who questioned the viability of his chosen career path, Dharya worked hard.
Through sheer dedication and relentless effort, Dharya has transformed his art into a substantial source of income. He earns between Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 per month through various avenues, including live performances, television appearances and private events.
Dharya’s journey in the field spans over 15 years. To complement his self-taught skills, Dharya pursued formal education and now holds a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts, Gujarat University. This academic background gave him foundation in the performing arts, enriching his performances and enhanced his understanding of audience engagement. His performances are infused with energy, creativity and a profound understanding of his craft, captivating audiences of all ages.
Dharya’s Troupe Members
Dharya’s success is not his alone; he is supported by a dedicated troupe of four talented individuals who play crucial roles in his performances. His troupe includes Manan Patel, Rina Shah. Sanjay Desai and Pooja Mehta. The team works on issues of production and managing logistics.
Dharya Pandya enthralls and educates people with his Dodo.
Photo by Vishal Mansukhani
Key Events and Performances
One of the highlights of Dharya’s career was his performance at the Ahmedabad Cultural Fest in January 2023. This significant event, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the city, saw Dharya as one of its star performers. His act received immense appreciation and further cemented his reputation as a premier ventriloquist in India. This platform not only showcased his talent but also connected him with a broader audience, opening up new opportunities for his career.
Dharya trains youngsters
With a vision to nurture future talent, he has started conducting workshops to train aspiring artists. These workshops are designed to impart his knowledge and skills to enthusiasts of performing arts, helping them develop their own talents. This initiative has helped him give back to the art form that has brought him success. Dharya wants to establish a ventriloquism school in Ahmedabad to mentor young talent and ensure that this unique and captivating art form continues to thrive.
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