Tholu Bommulata Designer Fairy Lights Workshop

Kanday Anjanappa is a seventh-generation artisan from Nimmalakunta village in Andhra Pradesh. He is a celebrated master of Tholu Bommalata, the 2,500-year-old shadow puppetry tradition that uses hand-painted leather puppets to tell mesmerizing stories through light and shadow. Born into a lineage deeply rooted in this craft, Anjanappa began learning this craft from his father at the age of six. His dedication to preserving and innovating within this ancient art form has earned him the Andhra Pradesh State Award in 2011.
Anjanappa's work is characterized by intricate designs and vibrant storytelling. Leading and mobilizing a community of 70 families, Anjanappa works to keep this ancient art alive, transforming traditional puppetry into contemporary art pieces suitable for modern interiors. His creations often depict scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as explorations of local natural elements —bridging mythology with the natural world.
Co-created with Zwende, his collection features over 200 unique SKUs of lamps and fairylights, including vibrant, colorful designs inspired by traditional puppet shows and monochromatic artworks for contemporary spaces.
Beyond crafting, Anjanappa also conducts live performances, keeping the original format of Tholu Bommalata alive. Through these shows, he uses puppetry to convey social messages, retell epic narratives, and preserve the performative essence of this traditional art form.