Shilpa Mudbi is an Indian researcher, singer, performer, theater artist, actress, and documentary filmmaker. She is currently working on preserving and archiving diverse folk-art forms in Karnataka.[1] Along with her husband and Sumitra Sunder, she co-founded the Urban Folk Project. As a part of this project, they performed 70-80 shows of Yellamanata and Other Stories across the country. [2][3][4]

Shilpa Mudbi
Born
Bangalore
NationalityIndian
EducationMasters in Media Arts and Production
Alma materUniversity of Technology Sydney
Known forCo-founder of Urban Folk Project
Notable workYellammana and Other Stories
SpouseAditya Kothakota

Yellamanata and Other Stories edit

Mudbi leads the team in performing Yellammana padas with traditional instruments such as the chowdki and the Shruti, sometimes in the morning at Bangalore Cubbon Park.[5] Shilpa's efforts extend to reviewing and preserving the "Chowdki" and "shruti", essential instruments intertwined with the narratives of Yellamma, making her a key force in reviving these traditions. As a trained filmmaker, she explores the roots of this music, connecting it with North Karnataka's cultural fabric.

These Bengalureans are trying to save Chowdki, a percussion instrument which was once prevalent in the belt of north Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh. According to folklore, it has been around for at least 2,500 years. [6]

Weekly Web Folk Sessions edit

During the pandemic, Mubdi conducted Weekly Web Folk Sessions that encouraged participants to pick up an instrument and learn a folk song for a collective singing experience. Each session, lasting five to six minutes, effectively combines both information and musical elements.[7]

Filmography edit

Web series edit

Year Film Role
2024 Killer Soup Head Constable Asha Ritu[8]

Awards and recognition edit

In 2023, she was listed in the Deccan Herald, in their fifth edition of Changemakers awards “DH Changemakers: 23 to Watch in 2023” [9]

References edit

  1. ^ Bureau, Bangalore Mirror. "Strings of the past". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  2. ^ "'The songs of my ancestors'". NEWS TRAIL. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  3. ^ Correspondent, Special (2021-12-31). "Tracing the roots through folklore". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  4. ^ "Couple learns Many versions of Yellamma's Myths through ancient songs". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  5. ^ Pailoor, Anitha. "Singing their way into hearts". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  6. ^ Bureau, Bangalore Mirror. "Strings of the past". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  7. ^ "Sing your heart out". Mid-day. 2020-04-06. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  8. ^ Ramnath, Nandini (2024-01-11). "'Killer Soup' review: A wicked concoction of love and payback". Scroll.in. Retrieved 2024-01-13.
  9. ^ DHNS. "DH Changemakers: 23 to Watch in 2023 - Editor's note". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-01-04.