Natni

A natni performing her act. 

 - Brian Mendonca

As I made my way to Sai Pooja restaurant for breakfast this morning I was awestruck to see a natni (female rope-walker) performing by the side of a busy road. 

I was reminded of the folktale by Rajasthani writer Vijaydan Dheta (1926-2013) and his story 'The Crafty Jat' on the natni of Udaipur. 

The one in front of me was walking on a rope balancing three pots on her head while her mother hovered anxiously below her. Unlike her counterpart in the short story, she made it to the other end. 

I was thinking how much the disadvantaged women have to do to make ends meet. They risk their lives, and endure the stares of mostly male onlookers who gather in clumps to grab a hurried breakfast on their way to work.

Later in the day a man came down the road  whipping himself with a long rope. The thwack of the rope when it hit his body was resounding. He too looked to the passersby for a coin or note.

All this, while the stuffed shirts melted into the morning to sit in their AC offices and push files. 

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Pic taken by Brian Mendonca at Hiranandani Crystal Plaza, Kharghar, Sector 7, Near  Sai Pooja restaurant, Navi Mumbai on 28 December 2023.