A deep dive into offbeat Northeast

The Northeast region of India, a place of geographical, ecological, and ethnographic fascination, is the subject of a new travel documentary series, 'Voices of the Land.' The six-episode show, available on JioHotstar, delves into some of the world's oldest living indigenous cultures, offering viewers an offbeat travel experience.

Actor Gaurav Adarsh hosts the series, embarking on a journey through diverse landscapes and communities. He visits the Dima Hasao tribe in Assam, learns a whistle tune as his new name in Thingdol, and joins women from the Sherdukpen tribe of Arunachal Pradesh on an ethnobotany walk. The series also features the Angami of Nagaland, the Mising of Assam, the Biate of Dima Hasao, Assam, and the Khasi of Meghalaya.

Adarsh, described as a curious and eager traveler, approaches the subjects with a student-like enthusiasm. The Angami people give him the colloquial title 'kethekrye,' meaning a keen learner. The series emphasizes the dominant theme of human synergy with nature, showcasing interactions between the host and the indigenous communities.

Directed and co-written by Megha Ramaswamy, a Mumbai-based filmmaker, and Nitin Gupta, the series was developed through extensive research and early interactions with communities. Ramaswamy's cinematic approach, with cinematographer Kuldeep Mamaniya's aesthetic framing, captures the breathtaking beauty of the region, from stone caves and root bridges to jhum cultivation and vast landscapes. The show aims to present the ordinary as spectacular, highlighting the unique traditions and ways of life of these ancient cultures.