Parvathy Baul, a prominent figure in the Baul tradition of Bengal, is much more than just a singer. She is a storyteller, painter, and poet who embodies the spiritual and artistic essence of the Baul sect. Let’s delve into her fascinating journey.

Early Life and Background: Parvathy Baul, born in 1975 or 1976 as Mousumi Parial, hails from a traditional Bengali Brahmin family in West Bengal. Her family originally migrated from East Bengal to West Bengal after the partition of India. Growing up in Assam, Cooch Behar, and bordering areas of West Bengal due to her father’s postings, she developed a deep appreciation for Indian classical music. Her father often took her to concerts, while her mother was a devotee of mystic saint Ramakrishna.

At Kala Bhavan, an art school at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, Parvathy received training as a visual artist. However, it was during a train journey to Santiniketan that she first encountered the mesmerizing music of blind Baul singers, who performed the traditional music of mystic minstrels from Bengal. Inspired by this encounter, she began learning from Phulmala Dashi, a woman Baul singer who frequented the campus. Later, she sought out Sanatan Das Baul, an 80-year-old Baul singer from Bankura, who became her first guru. For seven years, she travelled with him, learning Baul songs, dance, and playing instruments like the ektara and duggi.

Her journey continued when she met Shashanko Goshai Baul, a 97-year-old Baul singer living in a small village in the Bankura district. Despite initial hesitation, he became her second guru, teaching her numerous songs and the intricacies of the Baul tradition. Parvathy’s dedication and passion for preserving this pure form of art led her to become a torchbearer of the Baul tradition.

Career and Artistry: Parvathy Baul has been performing Baul music since 1995, captivating audiences not only in India but also in other countries. Her compositions draw inspiration from the Bauls of Kenduli in Bengal and the religious scriptures she has studied in the south. Through her sonnets about life and death, she weaves a rich tapestry of emotions and spirituality.

“Joy Guru” and Ravi Varman’s Involvement: The upcoming Hindi film “Joy Guru” is a fictional account of Parvathy Baul’s life. Co-produced by India, USA, UK, and France, the film promises to be a captivating portrayal of one of India’s most celebrated musicians. Renowned cinematographer Ravi Varman, known for his exceptional work in films like “Ponniyin Selvan,” “Barfi!,” and “Tamasha,” has been roped in to shoot the film. His ability to blend natural beauty with intricate storytelling makes him the ideal choice for capturing the essence of Parvathy’s spiritual and artistic journey.

The collaboration between Ravi Varman’s cinematographic genius and the rich narrative of Parvathy Baul’s life is expected to create a visually stunning and emotionally moving cinematic experience. As the film enters its final scripting stage, we eagerly await its release in 2025, further cementing Indian cinema’s reputation for profound and aesthetically remarkable films. 🎥✨