NEW DELHI: The Delhi World Book Fair witnessed a vibrant literary and cultural exchange on Thursday with the release of Naach, a novel published by Eklavya Prakashan. The event, held at the Author’s Stage in Hall No. 2, combined the book launch with a panel discussion titled “Naach Novel: Some Forgotten Pages of Folk Theatre and History.”
The program brought together academics, critics, artists, and readers to reflect on the intersections of folk performance traditions, gender, and cultural memory. Among the distinguished participants were Professor Sonika Kaushik of Delhi University, senior critic Dr. M. K. Pandey, Shantiniketan researcher and folk artist Punesh Parth, editors Shivnarayan Gaur and Seema from Eklavya Prakashan, and the author of the novel, Navneet Neerav.
The author, Navneet Neerav, carries forward a distinguished literary lineage as the son of Dr. Nathuni Pandey Azad, a noted educationist and cultural activist. Dr. Azad served as Head of the Mathematics Department at S.S.J.S. Namdhari College in Garhwa, Jharkhand, and contributed significantly to Sanskar Bharati, a national cultural organization. Neerav’s novel thus reflects not only his personal creativity but also a family tradition of engagement with literature and culture.
The discussion centered on the novel’s exploration of folk theatre, particularly the tradition of Launda Naach prevalent in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This performance style, often involving male artists adopting female roles, has historically played a complex social and cultural role. Panelists emphasized how Naach revives attention to these traditions, which are frequently overlooked in mainstream narratives of Indian theatre.
Dr. M. K. Pandey highlighted the legacy of Bhikhari Thakur, the celebrated folk dramatist, and urged a sensitive understanding of how gender and sexuality are embedded within folk performance. He praised the novel for its nuanced portrayal of a folk artist’s transformation into a female persona, noting that the author captures both the artistry and the emotional depth of such performances.
Professor Sonika Kaushik commended the novel’s narrative flow, pointing out that despite its use of colloquial language, the storytelling remains seamless and engaging. She stressed that the joy of reading is the most essential element of any book, and Naach succeeds in delivering that experience. Kaushik also drew attention to the tense relationship between the protagonist Saroj and his father, which adds psychological depth to the narrative beyond its exploration of gender and performance.
Researcher and performer Punesh Parth shared his personal experiences, noting that while audiences enjoy folk art, the artists themselves often struggle for recognition and respect. His remarks underscored the broader theme of the discussion: the need to preserve and honor folk traditions while acknowledging the challenges faced by practitioners.
The event concluded with a lively exchange between panelists and audience members, focusing on the preservation of literature and folk culture in contemporary times. The enthusiastic participation of readers highlighted the relevance of Naach as more than a novel—it is a cultural document that reopens forgotten chapters of history and performance. With its release at the Delhi World Book Fair, Naach has positioned itself as a significant contribution to Indian literature, sparking conversations that bridge art, society, and identity.