Known Strangers

This documentary brings to screen the lives and times of 15 female impersonators who graced the jatra stage. Female impersonation was once the hallmark of jatra, the folk theater form of West Bengal. These impersonators enjoyed stardom and viewers thronged huge makeshift tents to watch them perform. The film encapsulates: a) their journey to the zenith, b) their financial nadir post retirement from stage; c) circumstances that led to the end of the custom; d) their contribution to the evolution of jatra; e) their gender interpretation. Apart from extensive interviews of actors, experts, family members of such actors, actresses, jatra group owner the film's ingredients includes 7 acts and 6 songs all related to jatra plays. No voice over has been used for this film.

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