Artists Against Fascism

Artists came together to brave the rain and general political apathy towards fascism and politics of hate at Jantar Mantar from 11 am to 5:30pm. Coming from varied backgrounds they all had one message - the need to protect communal harmony and peace in India. The programme organised by ANHAD (Act Now for Harmony and Democracy) and Artists Against Fascism showcased the opposing views than that of the likes of Narendra Modi. 

ANHAD believes that the first victims of communal and fascist regimes are artists and therefore we brought them to put forward the message of communal harmony and peace. The event showcased the importance of freedom of expression and creativity – the two most important features of a democracy under greatest threat if fascism comes to power. Sufi, Thumri, Pop-Music, Stand up Comedy, Theatre and Poetry were all themed on the need to fight communalism.

Targeted at the young and old alike the programme said our future cannot be dictated by politics of hate. Communal politics as epitomised by Narendra Modi are not the future of this country said Dhruv Sangari, a Delhi based Sufi singer. He added that the varied backgrounds and forms of art expressed on the stage highlight DEMOCRACY in action.  If Modi comes to power then communal violence is going to be our future leading to draconian laws of what women can wear, what music one may listen to, what films one may watches and what religion one follows said Sanjay Sharma a theatre artists and rights activists.

Communalism divides and in a country as diverse as India we cannot have that, said Namrata Pamnani, classical dancer. Schooled in Kathak dance her performance was about the violence and hatred that come hand in hand with communal politics. Even the development model of Narendra Modi was questioned by Sanjay  Rajoura a Delhi based Stand-up comedian. Requesting the audience to work against political dictators he highlighted the disconnect between the developed image of India and the absence of basic amenities like drinking water.  

The politically charged performances included:    

Vidya Rao the renowned Thumari singer opened the show.

Namrata Pamnani, Kathak dancer did a brief performance on the need to fight communalism as it only brings hate and violence in the lives of ordinary.

Sanjay Sharma, theatre activists and rights activist – performed a small skit on what life would be like under a fascist regime. 

Aditya Dipankar – a young performer sang kabir dohas.

Sanjay Rajoure – stand-up comedian.

Rajnesh – from IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre  Association) recited poetry on the need to fight Narendra Modi and the politics he stands for.

Dhruv Sangari – Sufi singer.

Ashish Dha – recited poems on identity and the poverty of Delhi sang covers of Oh ree chariya, mad world by Garry Jules and is a composer of contemporary music.

Urshila Dance company – Delhi based contemporary dance troupe performed a highly charged political piece on harmony.  

SCAVENGERS – Contemporary music band – Rap, Pop and Reggae sang songs on current issues, revolution and the struggle against ‘divide and rule’ policies.

Maya Rao - stand-up comedian and dancer.