Embarking on a journey to Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh in March 2022 was like stepping onto the sets of a grand Bollywood blockbuster, where the lush tapestry of Sal trees painted a backdrop so mesmerizing, it could rival the most extravagant film sets. Accompanied by my cousin, a fellow ‘forest’ and ‘tiger’ enthusiast, we were eager to witness the grand spectacle of nature’s own cinema and pen some memorable scripts about tigers and jungles.
As we delved deeper into the enchanting realms of Kanha, the breathtaking splendor of nature unfolded before us like a living canvas, a spectacle poised to rival the most lavish cinematic productions. Nature had orchestrated the most magnanimous of sets, ones that no human film set designer could ever replicate, not even in Bhansali’s magnum opus productions. The air was crisp, with a hint of chill, a refreshing symphony of greenery enveloping us. The whispers from the rustling leaves played the harmonious background score, adding a layer of mystique to our journey through this verdant paradise.
This forest could indeed serve as a natural masterpiece for a Bollywood filmmaker seeking authentic, untouched beauty with a variety of landscapes – from canopies of trees to wide grasslands to rocky terrains. However, a word of caution for those dreaming of filming here, as this land belongs to the majestic big cats, and any intrusion would be a breach of their sacred abode. The only way to witness the beauty of Kanha in cinemascope is to respectfully book a safari, permitted by the forest department in the designated zones from October to May.
Jungle Stars in Action
Our Kanha safari trip was like a grand movie premiere, where the stars were the majestic tigers of Kanha. The movie opened with a scene reminiscent of Sholay, where Gabbar was waiting in his rocky recluse for his minions to arrive and ask them the famous question – ‘Kitne Aadmi The?’ We were greeted by Neela Naala, a large male tiger, sitting by the side of the road, stalling the entire entourage of safari vehicles that day. He seemed to be in deep contemplation, perhaps pondering over his next scene, before retreating to his secluded cave, away from the prying eyes of his fans.
Then entered DB3, the Tiger Shroff of the jungle, flaunting his muscular prowess and marking his territory with a fierce snarl, a stark contrast to the serene beauty of the landscape. His life seemed like a constant action sequence, a battle for territory and respect in the dense, mysterious realms of Kanha. He crossed our path, flexing his muscles and displaying his enormous canines, only to end up on the other side, getting annoyed by the presence of the Forest Department Patrol elephant.
Indeed, it was fascinating to notice the contrast in the behaviors of these two tigers in varying age groups and situations. Neela Nala, the fully matured adult male, displayed remarkable composure, seemingly unfazed by anything, content in his own solitude. In contrast, the younger DB3, still in the midst of asserting his territory, exhibited a hot-headed temperament. Drawing a parallel in a Bollywood context, this could be likened to the difference between an experienced veteran superstar and an enthusiastic newcomer to the industry.
We encountered another two male tigers during our safari days in Kanha. One of them was a sub-adult who made a subtle entrance near a serene pond. At first, he appeared somewhat reserved, choosing to remain concealed behind the tall grasses surrounding the pond. However, as time passed, he seemed to gain confidence, much like a rising star kid uncertain of his potential in the shadow of nepotism. Eventually, he decided to take the center stage, gracefully descending into the cooling waters, showcasing his inherent talent, and earning his moment of glory.
Another was a full grown male adult sitting concealed behind a thick foliage, peacefully enjoying his slumber. We eagerly anticipated his grand appearance, joined by fellow safari enthusiasts at the spot. Our anticipation for the grand reveal was shattered by an unexpected twist – a toddler’s howl that echoed like an unplanned plot twist. It irritated the ‘hidden tiger’, prompting him to ‘crouch’ away deeper into the jungle. A word of advice to all safari-goers: please keep noise levels in check, and consider the suitability of the safari for very young children, as they might become restless and fatigued.
Dance of the Leading Ladies
While the male tigers took the lead in the Kanhal reel, we also had a fair share of the superstar heroines of the reserve, the most iconic tigresses in India. One of them famously called DJ (Dhawjandhi), who is know for her iconic picture, accompanied by her five adorable cubs, photographed by my ‘tiger’ mentor and friend Camila Malvestiti. However, our encounter with her predated that glorious, back in 2022. On this particular day too, she took center stage.
We were driving down a small hillock on the safari route when suddenly DJ emerged, and we had to reverse our vehicle quickly to maintain a safe distance. DJ, as she is affectionately called, stole the spotlight on that day’s five-hour safari. She covered an impressive 3-4 km in the forest, giving the safari-crazy folks a grand tour of her remarkable territory – like a superstar showing off her grand mansion.
First, she sauntered down a muddy path, then mysteriously disappeared into the lush thicket, only to reappear by the side of a tranquil pond. There, she cooled herself and relished the serenity of the water, while we watched in awe from the opposite side.
DJ spent a good amount of time by the pond before gracefully making her way towards a vast open ground framed by beautiful Saal trees in the background and rocky terrain in the foreground. It was almost as if Madhuri Dixit herself was dancing against these picturesque backdrops to the tune of ‘Tanhai Tanhai’ from the movie Koyla.
For our DJ, solitude was of utmost importance. After leading us on a mesmerizing journey through various corners of the forest for 2-3 hours, she retreated to another remote water body, far from the reach of safari tourists and their cameras. Eventually, we had to bid farewell to this beautiful superstar as our time for the day’s safari came to an end.
The next glamorous diva of Kanha was a tigress with eyes as deep as a lake and beauty that could rival any Bollywood actress. Called Mohini, this striped beauty captivated us with her graceful catwalk through a part of the forest. Her body, gait, color, and fur were nothing short of perfection. And like those beauty queens who ascend to become reigning stars in the world of Bollywood – the Aishwariya Rais & Priyanka Chopras. Mohini knew her self-worth as she elegantly strolled past all the safari jeeps, paying no heed to the paparazzi and venerating fans.
Item Numbers & Music Beats
In addition to the mesmerizing cinematic scenes and our exhilarating tiger encounters, Kanha National Park also introduced us to its diverse array of winged and four-legged inhabitants. As we immersed ourselves in the symphony of melodious chirps, which seemed like a finely orchestrated score composed by the maestro Rahman, the deer herds entertained us like background dancers, competing for attention while the star performers – the tigers – took a well-deserved intermission.
Among the captivating characters that enchanted us were the gorgeous Barasinghas, also known as Swamp Deers. These unique creatures were like the famed item number performers of Kanha’s wilderness, an absolute must-see during the journey through the Saal forests. Their elegance and rarity made them stand out as a true spectacle.
Comic Relief & Awards Jury
What truly stirred my heart, though, was the presence of the majestic gyps vultures. These incredible birds are currently on the brink of extinction, urgently requiring conservation efforts to ensure their survival. In one of Kanha’s expansive open grasslands, we were privileged to witness an awe-inspiring congregation of white-rumped vultures.
The sight before us resembled a casual Sunday morning gathering, where the vultures basked in the warm sunlight. It felt like watching a panel of discerning film critics or judges at a prestigious film award show, fervently deliberating over who should be honored with the “Filmfare” for the best actor in the jungle. This grand spectacle not only delighted our senses but also filled us with warmth, knowing that Kanha had become a secure refuge for these remarkable creatures, safeguarding their place in the intricate tapestry of the wild.
As for the Film Awards for Acting & Appearances in Kanha, we may never know the vulture congregation’s verdict. Yet, amidst this avian gathering, we did witness an undisputed winner in the category of comic appearances. It was none other than the elegant peafowl, who chose to showcase its dance moves in front of a female deer instead of attempting to woo the peahens. Was it a strategy to ignore the ladies and make them jealous, or was it simply a mid-life crisis move, where an older actor attempts dance numbers with a much younger actress? We couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene.
Adding to the amusement were the Indian Gaurs of Kanha, who emerged from the foliage in a comically orderly queue, like a group of bumbling extras as if they were following a director’s cue for a hilarious scene – “Welcome” anyone! As our Kanha adventure came to a close and the metaphorical credits rolled, we realized that, just like in the best films, sometimes it’s the unscripted moments that leave the most lasting impressions in the wild jungle of life.
Kanha, with its majestic tigers, enchanting landscapes, and unexpected delights, had indeed unfolded as a cinematic marvel, leaving us with a reel of unforgettable moments that will forever play in the theaters of our hearts.
Very beautifully captured
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