Collection Of Puppets And Books


Late Prof. Y. K. Padhye in his early days with his favourite dummies of early 20th century.

Ramdas Padhye's Collection Puppets

Ramdas Padhye has in his collection over 1000 puppets of almost all descriptions including puppets created by himself, nineteenth century Indian puppets of pioneer Indian dramatist Late Vishnudas Bhave and those obtained from U.S.A., U.K., Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, china, Malaysia and Australia. The collection also includes some of the rare audio/video tapes, books and records and ventriloquism and puppetry.

Ramdas Padhye's book on Ventriloquism “INNER VOICE” was published at the Vent Haven Convention 2002, U.S.A. This is the first fully researched Indian book on Ventriloquism. This book which is written in English language traces the HISTORY of Ventriloquism in INDIA.Ramdas Padhye, the monarch of Ventriloquism in India, is at his best in this book, unfolding the treasure trove of tricks and secret of this performing art, by eloquent references of popular folk tales and anecdotes from mythology, history of Indian Ventriloquism and liberal introduction of well renowned ventriloquists from around the globe. This book is a treasure, based on deep study and performing experience and will prove to be the gold mine of information even to all foreign ventriloquism lovers right from novice to professional ventriloquists.

Ramdas Padhye has also authored two books in Indian language (Marathi) on ventriloquism and allied arts.

A public charitable trust, RAMDAS PADHYE FOUNDATION, is established by him to propagate and develop the art of ventriloquism and allied arts in India as also to preserve the collection for future generation. The foundation has plans to establish museum of puppets, books, articles, and recorded material and to make permanent arrangements for PUPPET THEATRE. The foundation is already seeking financial and other support for the projects from the Cultural Institutions and Government.