--- title: "The Abandoned Gopi: Thematic Bharatanatyam by Dr. Himanshu Srivastava" description: "Experience 'The Abandoned Gopi', a thematic Bharatanatyam production exploring Shiva's legend. Dr. Himanshu Srivastava blends research and dance for a powerful performance." canonical: https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/the-abandoned-gopi-the-legend-of-gopishwar-shiv last_updated: 2025-09-22 --- # The Abandoned Gopi: A Thematic Bharatanatyam Production Tribe Verified · Performed across India's premier arts festivals. By [Himanshu Srivastava](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa) · Based in Delhi NCR; performs across India · ₹45K per performance (estimate) Part of [Bharatanatyam Dance Performances](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/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. ## Photos and videos - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/09c47f22-bc04-43e4-8aec-ff62876dc10b) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/512468e3-5a50-4896-bea4-78de784c358a) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/52c634d4-4a0e-48d8-bf1d-976b457ced59) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3d0d9f52-473c-4569-8234-2cce26dbf3a5) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/44226e83-1f5f-44b1-bc00-b436ea0491a1) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81ed4a41-c58a-4f06-a6f0-a24ccfad5954) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e85075cb-ae19-4c87-b81d-3536c9cfc6d2) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1ec464b8-f228-4404-9f62-2c8b5661ad03) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3db65dd4-0b22-48e6-8699-0cd375fd62b4) - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/49614d62-9163-4bfc-b6c4-5d30b4b97291) - ![This poster announced my "Nritya-Seva" or dance offering at the Shri Radha Raman Raasmandal in Vrindavan. Performing "The Abandoned Gopi" in the city of its origin is always a deeply spiritual experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0889f151-b189-45d6-b70b-210ac72f85ba) - [Video: The drum of Gopeshwar resounds in his own city. This poster is for a performance in Vrindavan, an offering to Sri Raseshwari Gopeshwar Mahadev on the auspicious evening of Bhairav Jayanti.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1128de5b-fb90-4cb6-ba8c-4c629f311c89) - [Video: A moment of gratitude after a performance in Delhi. Despite the weather and traffic, the audience's presence was a testament to their love for the arts. "The Abandoned Gopi" is never truly abandoned.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5fd6c26c-144c-4ea0-a52a-6cdebf450364) - [Video: The damaru of Gopeshwar resounds. This clip, captured at the Oddbird Theatre, shows a moment of transformation as Shiva becomes a Gopi, a central theme in this production.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6f9f9da4-9da3-4138-896a-1f9c942b7f16) - [Video: An announcement for the double bill at Oddbird Theatre in Delhi. I was delighted to share the evening with fellow artists, presenting "The Abandoned Gopi" alongside another thoughtful work, "Breath."](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/760549c4-43db-4dc2-9f49-bd705b94afc1) - [Video: From the script to the stage, this video offers a glimpse into the creation of "The Abandoned Gopi." The music, composed by Dr. S. Vasudevan, is the soul of this production, bringing the legend to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9368e98d-0e0e-4102-a48e-8b0239c7b467) - ![This promotional image for my performance at Oddbird Theatre captures the introspective nature of "The Abandoned Gopi." The piece is an exploration of surrender and personal transformation, rooted in a rare tale of Shiva.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/119d719e-949d-4eb0-9821-aa0cd932d32e) - [Video: A poster for the double bill evening at Oddbird Theatre, a space that encourages unique artistic expressions. It was a pleasure to present two productions that invite the audience to look deeper within.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7feb8b84-b9e2-4df5-98a0-30719be6bfd1) - [Video: In search of the true Vrindavan. This clip is from a performance of "The Abandoned Gopi" in Kolkata, where I felt the audience's immense love for this story of Gopishwar Mahadev.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/129913d2-6a43-404a-9a4c-5226f5df2583) - [Video: In this video, I speak about the challenge of bridging the world of research with the world of performance. "The Abandoned Gopi" is a result of this journey, and I was excited to present it in Kolkata along with an exhibition of my paintings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/85013399-729a-45d6-a701-ea88e630e391) - [Video: An introduction to my performance at the Suwarna festival in Kolkata. My work is deeply inspired by Indian mythology, and I strive to bring a modern-day relevance to ancient philosophies through my dance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0f86bd0a-817f-48bb-80b9-a8e4036c2da5) - [Video: Reflecting on the premiere of "The Abandoned Gopi" at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. The intimate setting of The Cube allowed for a close conversation with the audience, making the storytelling through dance a truly brilliant experience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cbbdc781-f978-40e1-ab40-fe1d41343a1b) - [Video: Sharing memories from the premiere of "The Abandoned Gopi" at NMACC. This production is a culmination of extensive research and collaboration with a team of brilliant musicians, bringing the legend of Gopishwar Shiv to the stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d74bf0f6-9d6d-4d0a-830b-27b7d31573bd) - [Video: A collage of moments from the premiere of "The Abandoned Gopi" and "Shikhandi" in Mumbai. The overwhelming love and a houseful show at NMACC was a moment of immense gratitude.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b47529eb-c0d4-43a5-9911-5406b0469ee6) - [Video: This poster announced the premiere of my new production, "The Abandoned Gopi," alongside "Shikhandi" at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. I was incredibly excited to present these two powerful concepts together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8bf091ae-451f-4cb4-8f66-50becb496b00) - [Video: A moment of dance and research at the Gopishwar Mahadev temple in Vrindavan. It was a bliss to present a rare composition on Lord Shiva as a Gopi, connecting my art to the very source of its inspiration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dbd6e1fe-c31f-4d37-8351-97a8b97cd38d) ## 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. At the heart of 'The Abandoned Gopi' lies a profound question: what happens when we surrender our identity? This solo production is more than just a dance; it is a research-based inquiry into the legend of Lord Shiva entering the Raas Leela. I spent years studying the shastras to understand the emotional landscape of Gopishwar Mahadev, and I translate those findings into choreography. ### Why This Production? * **Research-Driven Storytelling:** Every gesture is informed by my academic study of temple sculpture and ancient texts. It is not just about the technical Nritta; it is about the Abhinaya—the emotional core of the character. * **The Power of Live Music:** I believe the jugalbandi between music and movement is non-negotiable. My 5-piece ensemble brings the custom-composed score to life, creating an atmosphere that recordings simply cannot replicate. * **Theatrical Immersion:** With the support of a dedicated lighting designer, we use spotlights and shadows to craft the stage into a space where the mythological becomes real. I have performed this piece at historic venues like the Radha Raman Raasmandal in Vrindavan and major cultural centers like the Oddbird Theatre in Delhi. Whether you are hosting a specialized art festival or a private event, I ensure the technical requirements—props, lighting, and costume—are handled professionally to maintain the sanctity of the performance. If you are looking to explore themes of identity, devotion, and mythology, let us discuss how this production can fit your venue. ## About Himanshu Srivastava 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. [See all of Himanshu Srivastava's services](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa) ## More from Bharatanatyam Dance Performances by Himanshu Srivastava - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/featured) - [Shikhandi: The Inner Quest](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/shikhandi-the-inner-quest) - [Un-Eklavya: The Riddle of the Thumb](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/un-eklavya-the-riddle-of-the-thumb) - [Margam & Classical Repertoire](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/margam-classical-repertoire) - [Collaborative Works & Dance Theatre](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/collaborative-works-dance-theatre) - [The Creative Process: From Research to Rehearsal](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/the-creative-process-from-research-to-rehearsal) - [Workshops, Lec-Dems & Educational Outreach](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/workshops-lec-dems-educational-outreach) - [Press, Reviews & Audience Acclaim](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/press-reviews-audience-acclaim) - [Inspirations: Temples, Texts & Travels](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/bharatanatyam-dance-performances/inspirations-temples-texts-travels) ## More services by Himanshu Srivastava - [Fine Art & Painting Services](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/fine-art-painting-services) - [Educational Workshops & Lectures](https://mytribe.in/himanshusrivastavaa/educational-workshops-lectures) ## Similar work from other experts - [Shringara Sharanagati: A Thematic Solo Production](https://mytribe.in/divthedancer/dance-choreography-services/shringara-sharanagati-a-thematic-production) by Divya Hoskere · Dance Choreography Services · Studio at Kanakapura Road; Travels across India - [Shivaantarangam: Thematic Bharatanatyam Recitals](https://mytribe.in/navya_shree_k_n/bharatanatyam-performance/shivaantarangam-an-offering-to-the-primordial-shiva) by Navyashree K N · Bharatanatyam Performance · Based in Bengaluru; Travels across India - [Solo Bharatanatyam Performances and Classical Productions](https://mytribe.in/raginichandershekar/bharatanatyam-choreography-workshops/solo-performances-productions) by Ragini Chandershekar · Bharatanatyam Choreography & Workshops · Workshops at studio in Dwarka; travels across Delhi NCR and India - [Devotional Storytelling Bharatanatyam Performances](https://mytribe.in/divya_takatarikitatom/bharatanatyam-performances/devotional-storytelling) by Divya Srikanth · Bharatanatyam Performances · Performs across Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kerala - [Mythological Dance & Devotional Choreography](https://mytribe.in/akshatha.pai23/dance-choreography-for-events-competitions/dance-of-the-divine-mythological-storytelling) by Nritya Gurukul · Dance Choreography for Events & Competitions · Studio sessions in Sector 82, Noida & travels to venues across Delhi NCR - [Devotional Classical Dance & Storytelling Performances](https://mytribe.in/nirupama_rajendra/dance-choreography-services/devotional-storytelling-performances) by Nirupama Rajendra · Dance Choreography Services · Available in Bengaluru and travels across India ## Book To book Himanshu Srivastava, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskar%2C%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20booking%20'The%20Abandoned%20Gopi'%20for%20an%20upcoming%20event.%20Could%20you%20share%20some%20details%20on%20availability%20and%20requirements%3F)