Kadubai
Four years ago, our team at Nijaat Productions embarked on a journey to document a story we barely knew about-a story that would go on to change our perspective on art and survival. Kadubai is more than just a documentary; it is a reflection of the resilience and spirit of Dalit artists and marginalised communities.
I first encountered Kadubai during my college days while attending a Wari to Pandharpur for a social awareness cultural program. Her voice stood out, raw and brilliant, surpassing mainstream music. However, I didn’t have the means to document her then. Two years later, her video went viral on social media. That’s when Aniket and I decided we had to meet her and tell her story.
When we arrived in Aurangabad, we found Kadubai living in a precarious encroached settlement with 250 other families-mostly from SC, ST, VJNT, and other marginalised groups. The land they lived on was marked for the CIDCO airport project. Meanwhile, Kadubai sustained herself by singing in Bhim Vastis, keeping the legacy of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar alive through her songs.
But as our cameras rolled, the focus shifted. It wasn’t just about Kadubai’s music; it was about the larger question: Where will these people live? How will they survive?
With the help of our friend and advocate, Avinash, we were able to assist Kadubai in securing essential documents like her Aadhaar card. This struggle for basic identity and recognition reflects the harsh reality of many Dalit artists who use their art to survive yet remain invisible in mainstream narratives.
Through Kadubai, we raise questions about the survival of Dalit artists, their contribution to history, and the systemic neglect they face. From Kabir and Tukaram to Vilas Ghogare and Kadubai, the story of the ektara is a story of resilience, resistance, and reclaiming identity.
Today, Kadubai enjoys better times due to her popularity and programs, but what about the countless others left out of history? This movement, powered by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision, calls on us to find these forgotten voices and give them the recognition they deserve.
Kadubai’s songs carry the message of Buddha and Babasaheb, and through her, we witness the power of art in transforming lives and preserving identity.
Jaibhim