Abhilasha: A Bharatanatyam Solo on Eternal Longing
Explore the emotional depths of Radha's longing for Krishna in this thematic solo Bharatanatyam production, featuring expressive storytelling and a live Carnatic ensemble.
The 'maja' or fun of playing a 'gopa' or cowherd boy in my production 'Abhilasha'. This synchronized pose shows the playful and energetic side of the choreography.
A snippet from 'Abhilasha', showing how the cowherds rejoice at the sound of Krishna's flute. This piece from the Srī Kṛṣṇakarṇāmrutam is about the divine and magical effect of his music.
A moment of quiet contemplation, portraying the theme of 'The eternal longing' from my solo production, 'Abhilasha'. This pose captures the feeling of waiting and yearning for Krishna.
A posture of deep sorrow and longing from 'Abhilasha'. The performance explores the intense emotions of separation, or 'viraha', experienced by Radha.
This excerpt from an Ashtapadi describes Radha's state of separation from Krishna. Abhinaya is used here to show her distress and how she sees him everywhere, a key theme in 'Abhilasha'.
A seated pose from 'Abhilasha', conveying the pensive mood of the nayika (heroine) as she longs for her beloved. The entire production is an exploration of this deep emotion.
A composite image showing the playful energy of the gopas in 'Abhilasha'. The repetition of the figure creates a sense of movement and celebration.
A moment of repose and longing, capturing the central theme of 'Abhilasha'. The use of the stage and lighting helps create an atmosphere of solitude and introspection.
The playful spirit of the gopas from 'Abhilasha'. This piece allows for a lot of 'maja' on stage, showing the fun and camaraderie among Krishna's friends.
A seated pose capturing the pensive and emotional state of the character in 'Abhilasha'. The performance is a deep dive into the sentiment of longing.
About Abhilasha: The Eternal Longing
This production is an exercise in contrast, balancing the quiet, heavy intensity of Radha’s separation with the vibrant, joyful energy of the gopas. You will see exactly how I use abhinaya to shift between these emotional states, all grounded by a 5-piece live Carnatic orchestra that brings the Ashtapadi verses to life in real time.
Abhilasha is my exploration of viraha, the intense and aching longing of Radha and the gopas for Krishna. While the core of this production relies on classical abhinaya (emotional expression) to convey this separation, it is grounded in the rhythmic richness of pure nritta.
The performance centers on classic literature like the srī Kṛṣṇakarṇāmrutam and traditional Ashtapadis. Throughout the 90-minute show, you hear the live ensemble—nattuvangam, vocal, mridangam, flute, and violin—respond to the narrative arc. It is a complete theatrical experience, not just a standard recital.
I pay close attention to the technical side of the production to ensure the atmosphere is right. I use specific lighting cues to mirror the emotional shifts, moving from the solitary longing of the nayika (heroine) to the festive, high-energy movement of the cowherds. For those looking to host this production, the requirement is a standard stage suitable for classical performance, with adequate space for the musicians to perform comfortably. I handle the narrative in both English and Kannada, ensuring the ancient poetry connects with everyone in the room.
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