'''Nautanki''' is a kind of
street play popular in northern
India especially in the states of
Bihar and
Uttar Pradesh. Before the advent of
cinema in India, it was the most popular form of entertainment prevalent in these areas. Usually a ''nautanki'' consisted of
folk lore and
mythological dramas with interludes of folk songs and dances. But, now it has taken other forms. In many areas it has been restricted only to female dance shows. Consequently, this art is losing popularity and goodwill among admirers day by day.