Dastango

Ankit Chadha

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Ankit Chadha wove research-based narratives performed in the Dastangoi form of Urdu storytelling. His writing varied from biographical accounts of personalities like Kabir, Rahim, Dara Shikoh and Majaaz Lakhnavi. Ankit had worked with non-profits to weave modern folk tales on sustainable lifestyles, hunger and the Internet. He had spoken on Dastangoi globally, including at Harvard, Yale and University of Toronto. Additionally, Ankit innovated the form of ‘Musical Dastan’ that uniquely brings together stories and music. He has also worked on Dastangoi performances for children, adapting classics including Alice, The Phantom Tollbooth, and The Little Prince.He is the author of the award-winning books “Amir Khusrau - The Man in Riddles” and “My Gandhi Story”.

Ankit passed away in May 2018. He had performed four times at the Loft Forum creating a special place in the hearts of our audience. His last performance here was on 25th March, 2018. In December 2018, the Loft Forum organised the 4 day ‘More than Words \ Storytelling Festival’ in his memory.

Ankit’s work and memory will always be an inspiration to us at the Loft Forum. Our work will strive to embody the values he lived for.

The Ankit Chadha Foundation has been set up by his family and friends in his memory.