Udaipur: Traditional puppeteer of Udaipur, Veni Lal Bhat (s/o Shri Ramju Bhat) died recently at the age of fifty five years. Veni Lal was an expert puppeteer who had perfect control on traditional marionettes (string puppets). He used to put life in puppets he manipulated. Normally traditional Rajasthani puppeteers hide themselves behind curtain and skillfully operate hanging puppets, but Veni Lal exhibited his talent in open where the spectators could also watch the magic of Veni’s fingers. He used to give supporting sound effect of Pipadi( a small wind instrument made of bamboo and rubber).This accomplished artiste made his puppet swing, dances and astonishing movements. Every puppet, whether it was dancer (Anarkali),snake charmer, Sukli Julahi or Bangal ka Jadoogar would come alive at the hands of Veni Lal. He had the skill to engross audience. Veni Lal's name can be taken after the stalwart puppeteers Shri Dayaram Ji and Shri Tolaram Ji who worked with Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur and established Rajasthani traditional puppets world over. 
The Dancer puppet manipulated by Daya Ram ji’, after performance used to salute the audience in royal style and wipe sweat with her long skirt before making final exit.  This amazing act would get high admiration of viewers.    Shri Deepak Dixit,well known artist and Director of ‘Dharohar’( Daily evening concert staged in Bagor Ki Haveli,Gangaur Ghat at West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur expressed that Veni Lal was star attraction of ‘Dharohar’ (daily  evening concert) at Bagor ki Haveli.  Domestic as well as foreign tourists used to get engrossed in his performance and liked to capture selfie with him.WZCC helped Veni Lal to exhibit his talent in various exclusive shows in India and abroad. Dixit of Dharohar who supported this talented artist to a great extent feels sad on sudden demise of Veni Lal and decides to groom and support Veni Lal’s  young son Vrijesh Bhat.Senior Theatre Director Dr. Laique Hussain also praised skill of Veni Lal who directed puppet play ‘Shakar mai Raja ka Sala’ produced by West Zone Cultural Center, Udaipur. Veni Lal was an all-round artist and entrepreneur who created huge size puppets and allied decorative items for Shilpgram Festivals and special events. He encouraged many traditional puppeteers of Dewali Neemajkheda as well as Badgaon.  A skilled artist associated with the art world will always remain in the heart of art lovers of Udaipur.  
- Vilas Janve