Dastangoi Masterclass
Date: 26th November, 2025
Time: 11 AM - 6 PM
Venue: KCC, Fourth Floor
Recommended age: 16 and above
Explore the world of immersive Dastangoi style of storytelling at this Dastangoi Masterclass with seasoned storytellers Mahmood Farooqui, Poonam Girdhani, and Rajesh Kumar. Specially designed for performers, storytellers, and enthusiasts, the masterclass will introduce learners to the beauty and artistry of this traditional style of storytelling.
What you will learn:
- Introduction: Learn the origin, evolution, and timeless relevance of the Dastangoi tradition.
- Language and expression: Sharpen your diction, pronounciation, and vocabulary to bring out the clarity and power of your voice.
- Performance: Learn to make the stories more expressive through posture, gestures, and impactful delivery.
- Stories from Life: Shape personal stories into compelling narratives in the Dastangoi style.
- Explore existing Dastans: Practice narration and performance with excerpts from classical tales.
A part of AMI ARTS FESTIVAL, 2025 Dastangoi masterclass offers the rare opportunity of gaining hands-on experience in narration, delivery, and collaborative storytelling performance.
About the Facilitators
Mahmood Farooqui
Mahmood Farooqui is an esteemed writer, director, and performer, credited with reviving Dastangoi- the traditional art of oral storytelling, along with his uncle, the celebrated Urdu poet Shamsur Rahman Farooqui. From the Mahabharata to Manto, from Lewis Carroll’s novels to Rajasthani folktales, Farooqui’s performances transcend time and tradition. He has received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for his efforts and is now training the next generation of Dastangos.
