Name: ChaiTime with Dr. Lalita du Perron – Her Journey, Work & Life at Stanford’s Center for South Asia by Chai Time Radio
Duration: 1 h

What an absolute blissful afternoon it was at the Stanford campus, immersed in the vibrant world of Nautanki—the rich folk theater tradition of North India. It was an honor to spend time with not just great artists, but also remarkable human beings who are preserving and innovating this beautiful art form.
We had the privilege of engaging with Padma Shri Pandit Ram Dayal Sharma Ji, a living legend and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, whose dedication to keeping Nautanki alive is awe-inspiring. Adding to this enriching experience was his son, Professor Dr. Devendra Sharma, a prolific artist and scholar in his own right, and Shubhra Prakash, a familiar voice on Chai Time and a celebrated theater artist from the Bay Area, now making waves in New York.
Don’t miss this special episode of Chai Time, where we dive deep into the world of Nautanki, exploring its timeless charm, evolving narratives, and the passion that fuels these extraordinary artists.

Nautanki - The rich folk theater tradition of north India

This week on Chai Time, we sit down with Dr. Lalita du Perron — Associate Director of Stanford’s Center for South Asia — for a rich and honest conversation about her journey, research, and the stories that shape her work.

A scholar of Hindi poetry and performance, Lalita is the author of Thumri Lyrics and co-author of The Songs of Khyal. Her work spans courtesans, queer parenting, and questions of consent — always bold, deeply human, and full of heart. She also hosts SASSpod, giving voice to South Asia at Stanford.

Don’t miss this thoughtful exchange on identity, storytelling, and life at the intersection of academia and lived experience.

Dr. Lalita du Perron is the Associate Director of the Center for South Asia at Stanford University. She earned her PhD from the University of London and is the author of Hindi Poetry in a Musical Genre: Thumri Lyrics, and co-author of The Songs of Khyal. From thumri lyrics and courtesans to queer parenting and questions of consent, her work is bold, thoughtful, and deeply human. She’s also the host of SASSpod, a podcast that brings stories and voices from Stanford’s South Asian Studies community to life. Lalita brings both intellect and heart to everything she touches — and today, we have the privilege of learning from her journey.

ChaiTime with Dr. Lalita du Perron – Her Journey, Work & Life at Stanford’s Center for South Asia

Chai Time is a weekly program in Hindi and English, on Stanford Radio, KSZU 90.1 FM. The program explores current events and issues relevant to South Asian literature, culture and music. The program is hosted by Pranjali Sirasao who teaches in Department of South & Southeast Asian Studies, UC Berkeley. In the past she has taught in Stanford University and UC Davis. The program is heard in more than 100 countries around the world.

ChaiTime with Dr. Lalita du Perron – Her Journey, Work & Life at Stanford’s Center for South Asia

Chai Time Radio

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