Samode (Rajasthan), Feb 22: Laughter rings in the air in a small courtyard of a house in Rajasthan, as a group of French clowns try to cheer residents up.

Barefooted French and Indian artists with colourful hats and trademark red noses use body action and wordless expression to interact with residents of Samode village.

The seven French artists led by Jathper Menal, a renowned French clown director, and their Indian counterparts are performing in the village as part of a bilateral cultural exchange programme.

Lorence, a French artist, says she has been able to discover India through her acts of clowning.

"We are working all together with Indians and French people and the aim of this workshop is to mix cultures, to help in social events and to help people most particularly in the slums," said Lorence.

Villagers believe this visit by French artistes has not only helped the village economy, but also provided them with a platform to know about their culture.

Aditya, an Indian performer is of this view.

The intensity and the enthusiasm for these performances is there for all to see.

"This show is very interesting and for a while it helps us forget all our tensions and worries," claimed Sushila, a village woman.

The French troupe is ending its tour of Samode today. (ANI)