Artists have always been free-spirited, wild with imagination. But a lockdown on such scale trapped them inside their own home, raising their anxiety and a need to showcase their art. At this point, few young artists and art lovers from Bhopal realized the need for space where artists could showcase their art without any prejudice and space which is unaffected by the ongoing pandemic. What else could have been better than a digital platform?
The Name
Kalaa Kebab aur Kisse came into being with the need to inculcate :
Kalaa: Representing the general notion of Art, a visual art.
Kebab: Representing FOOD, an art that can be tasted.
aur Kisse: Representing stories behind every Art, an art that can be heard.
So basically the name was to create an experience of art that can be seen, tasted, and heard.
With its first show aired on 27th April 2020, it has been more than a year where Kalaa Kebab aur Kisse has catered not just youth but also artists of all age groups. It started with a few youngsters from Bhopal but art lovers from across India kept on joining the team making it bigger not just in number but in diversity too.
Today the team has around 18 members from Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Chandigarh respectively. Within this one year, Kalaa Kebab aur Kisse has hosted more than 1000 artists in around 7 shows. These shows are Aao Baat Kaarein, Kahaniyon ka Karwaan, Hunarstaan, Kalaa Qabilaa, Junior Hunarstaan, Writer’s Unplugged and Bhor ke Samvaad.
All these shows are hosted on the official youtube channel and Facebook page of Kalaa Kebab aur Kisse, making it easily accessible for all kinds of audiences.
“A thrilling experience because it was my first time, from event host to co-ordinators everything was so well organized and amazing. It felt like I was transported into some other world. Hunarstaan has made me confident about my art.” – Zoya Qureshi, a performer in Hunarstaan from Himachal Pradesh.
“Before Writer’s Unplugged, I didn’t know that writing had so much to explore, but the thought that was given in to prepare each show is really amazing” – Samiksha Salunke – participant of Writer’s Unplugged from Thane, Maharashtra.
“Performing in Hunarstaaan was an all different experience. It has given wings to my confidence and shall always remain special as it was my first ever digital performance. Kudos to the entire team of K3 for this homely and wholesome experience.” – Komal Mundhra – performer in Huanrstaan from Kolkata, West Bengal.
Within this one year, Kalaa Kebab aur Kisse has reached over 1000 artists and created a space where every art is valued. Every fabric of this space is created for the upliftment of artists. As 2021 unveiled, this space also started focusing on another venture called Artisan’s Gurucool- which aims to be a space where artists can hone a craft and practice their art.
Kalaa Kebab aur Kisse – in its workings has proved that young minds can be miles apart physically but once put together can turn any situation into an opportunity for young people.