Padma Bhushan Teejan Bai is a classic example of Indian womanhood who symbolises the struggle a woman faces in the modern world. Undaunted, the rustic singer has however overcome many hurdles and has today become congruous with her Pandvani (the vani of the Pandavas), the folk art form of Chhatisgarh, that has penetrated deep into the heart and mind of connoisseurs around the globe. The folk genius was in Rajasthan recently for a musical evening.
Tell us something about yourself ?
I belong to the Paridheen tribal community where it is forbidden for girls to sing or dance. I grew up in the midst of poverty at Atari Patan, a small village in Chattisgarh. In fact, getting full meals was a boon. As a ‘didi’, I had to be responsible and look after my younger brothers and sisters.
When did you start learning?
I was an ignorant child till I heard my mother’s uncle (nana) sing and it changed my life. I loved listening to his songs and his style. It touched my soul, and slowly I started picking it up. Yeh sab upar wale ki marzii se hi aaya (It came from the Lord). My poor background compelled my parents Sukhbati and Chunuk Lal Parthi to stop me from pursuing it.They were afraid of the community and the fact that nobody would marry their daughter. But I did not give up. I started learning from my ‘nana’ seriously. My parents, on learning this, were taken aback. At times, I used to cry and curse myself. I cried to God for help. “Aur Bhagwaan ne meri Awaj Suni”.
How did you go about it ?
My only friends were my younger contemporaries. I would often share my thoughts with them. I don’t regret not having formally studied in a school or college. I have been a mere puppet in the hands of God. Had I been educated, I would have spent all my life reading and would have never become “ThisTeejan”.
To whom do you owe your success?
 My voice, my singing and my success is because bhagwanji wanted it for me. I have God to thank for all that I am today. I relate the familiar tales from the Mahabharat with gusto in the unique Pandavani’ style. Of singing and enacting ballads of the Pandavas in the fiery Chattisgarhi tradition.
As a successful Indian women how do you feel today ?
Bhartiya Nari bahut mahaan hai. She has to face many hurdles everyday. Badhayen hi uski safalta ki seediyaan hain (Impediments form the wrungs of the ladder of success). She feels very happy when some lady says humko bhi aapke jaise banna hai. It is difficult to be a girl.The pain and suffering will yield good results one day. She laughingly says acche kalakaar par kasht rahte hain (A good artist is always tested).
What about your dedicated accompaniment?
It is a sort of an extended family. My husband, brother-in-law, uncle and two village associates accompany me on the harmonium, dholak, banjo and tabla. Our best moments are when we are on the stage.
From my lip movements and the quivering of my cheeks, they can make out what I am singing,” she says of an association that has run for nearly 30 years. 
What is your daily routine in Bhilai?
I love my hometown Bhilai. I was taken on the muster roll as a labourer. Since passing tea and giving water was hardly the services my seniors would take of me, I remain confined to the muster. Since I am not ‘shikshit’, I just sign the roll, chat with my colleagues and come back. I live in the official quarters with my family. “Art cannot be forced, until Saraswati Devi gives the inspiration, no art can originate in any person,” is her reason for her not letting her children into ‘Pandvani’. “The red tambura that I have been seeing in my dreams since childhood was no coincidence, but was to become an inseparable part of my life. As inseparable as the many ‘paan’ I chew through the day. I eat beetle leaves whenever I feel like it.. Other passions include playing cards and pickle.”
What about the the younger generation’s attitude towards classical arts?
The ‘chora-chori’ of this country should also know about the culture and its wisdom. Unko to bas jhat pat parinaam chahiye (They just want instant outcomes).  Teejan  says, “I don’t go pre-prepared on stage, Pandvani now flows in my blood.” Her energetic performance is powerful enough to draw audience of all class and age into the rural symphonies. On stage she is totally a different person and other a very soft-spoken. Her vibrant Chattisgarhi dialect often comes in between when she suddenly utters a few words of her region instantly. Sometimes smiling, sometimes crying and full of emotions.
Her strong voice, colourful costume, the tambura and the dual mikes on the stage is interchangeably used in the performance. The Pandvani charmer is unstoppable even with age and continues to delight the audiences with her typical presentation, nuances and inimitable style.