French filmmaker Vincent Moon captures essence of Jharkhand’s Seraikela Chhau Dance

Mail News Service

Seraikela: The fragrance of Seraikela Chhau art, known for its cultural depth, continues to captivate both national and international audiences. One such admirer, renowned French film and documentary maker Vincent Moon, arrived in Seraikela on Saturday with his wife Julia. The couple visited the Shri Kedar Art Center where they received a warm welcome from Guru Malay Kumar Sahu. Bouquets were presented to the couple as a mark of respect before their tour of the Paharpur village location, a site rich with Chhau dance history.

Overwhelmed by the beauty of the location, Vincent Moon shot a documentary film on Seraikela Chhau dance art, a traditional dance form that has received accolades for its portrayal of mythical stories through graceful and intricate movements. On this occasion, artists from Shri Kedar Art Center performed various dance dramas, including Har Parvati, Mayur, Radha Krishna, and Meghdoot, under the expert guidance of Guru Malay Kumar Sahu.

Moon expressed his admiration for the Chhau art form, saying, “Seraikela Chhau and the passion of Guru Malay Kumar Sahu are extraordinary, marvelous, and amazing. I would love to return to Seraikela to witness this art in its full glory again.” Julia also praised the performance, appreciating the dedication of the artists involved. In recognition of Moon’s visit, Guru Malay Kumar Sahu presented a Seraikela Chhau mask and a painting of the dance form to the filmmaker and his wife. Guru Sahu remarked, “This visit is a proud moment for Seraikela Chhau, as it shows the global appreciation for our tradition. We remain committed to preserving this art form for future generations.”