BEHRUPIYA ( The Impersonator )

A‘behrupiya’, or impersonator, is a centuries-old form of performing art in some Indian States. Traditionally these behrupiyas used to make a dramatic appearance at weddings or festivals, dressed in varied forms of god, animals or demons etc, and create a stir among the people, much like a flash mob does today. A popular source of entertainment in medieval times for kings and other royal dignitaries, tribe members were also known to be used as spies due to their expertise in disguising themselves. It is said that there were over 350 defined roles for impersonators at one time. Today, with the art form going nearly extinct, the 100-odd behrupiyas in India are living in abject poverty.