Born in 1980 in the Anantpur District of Andhra Pradesh, K. Bhaskar Rao grew up in a family of traditional artists who had been practicing leather puppetry for generations. Helping his father in the work, he learnt the skills and the art form when still young. Setting his theatre on the surface of the leather piece, he re-creates icons in popular idiom. His fascinating figures with their flexible limbs and bold colours, bring alive folk tales and delight the viewers. Inspired by mythology, his leather puppetry work connects well with regional folk theatre. Credited with training several aspiring artists, Bhaskar has also conducted workshops for students at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Hyderabad and at the International School in Bangalore. Felicitated with the state awards, his work has found its way in several significant collections.
