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The Abandoned Gopi: A Thematic Bharatanatyam Production

byHimanshu SrivastavaBased in Delhi NCR; performs across IndiaStarts from₹45,000 per performanceView full gallery

Explore the legend of Gopishwar Shiv through this solo Bharatanatyam production. I blend traditional movement with research-backed storytelling to bring this profound tale of surrender to life.

The energy in Bangalore was palpable. Here is a moment from the performance of "The Abandoned Gopi," where the audience's faith and love made me feel that this Gopi is never truly abandoned. It was an honor to perform before so many esteemed gurus and artists.

An announcement for my performance and lecture demonstration in Bangalore. I believe in sharing not just the performance but also the research behind it, exploring rare compositions and offering different perspectives on the tales of Vrindavan.

This poster announced a double bill performance in Solapur, featuring both "The Abandoned Gopi" and "Shikhandi." Presenting these two powerful, contrasting stories together offers a broad perspective on the mythological narratives that I strive to bring to life.

Performing "The Abandoned Gopi" at the Shivaarghya festival in Delhi, an event dedicated to male dancers. It was a fitting occasion to present this story of Gopishwar Mahadev, exploring the concept of "Gopi" as a state of complete surrender.

A collage from my performance at the Radha Kund in Mathura, featured in Vrindavan Today magazine. Performing this piece on the very ground where the legend originates was a humbling and overwhelming experience, connecting my research directly to its sacred source.

An excerpt from the Vrindavan Today magazine article, mentioning my performance during the grand reopening of the restored Raas Chabootra. Being part of such a historic and culturally significant event was a true honor.

It was a wonderful surprise to be featured on the cover of Vrindavan Today. This publication works to educate visitors about the city's rich history, and I am grateful to have my work recognized as part of its cultural narrative.

A glimpse of "The Abandoned Gopi" from a performance at The Indian Fine Arts Society in Chennai. Each show is a journey, and I am filled with gratitude as I move from one year to the next, carrying these stories with me.

Announcing a double bill of "Shikhandi" and "The Abandoned Gopi" in Chennai. I invited the audience to immerse themselves in two distinct tales, one from the holy grounds of Vrindavan and the other from the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

A blessed evening performing at the Radha Raman Raasmandala in Vrindavan. There is a unique energy in dancing within such a hallowed space, where every movement feels like a direct offering.

About The Abandoned Gopi: The Legend of Gopishwar Shiv

This production requires a 5-piece live orchestra—comprising a vocalist, mridangam, flute, veena, and nattuvangam—to truly capture the original music composed specifically for this narrative. Unlike standard recitals, this thematic work relies on specialized theatrical lighting and character-specific makeup to shift from the masculine energy of Shiva to the feminine grace of the Gopi, ensuring the audience feels the transformation as deeply as I do on stage.

Performed across India's premier arts festivals. — Approved by the tribe
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Himanshu Srivastava

Based in Delhi NCR; performs across IndiaStarts from ₹45,000 per performance

I see dance as a meeting point between my research and the intuitive self. My work with 'The Abandoned Gopi' is an attempt to bridge the gap between ancient temple legends and the questions we face in our lives today.

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