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![]() Man and his Shadow - Satish Suri e-mail: satishism@yahoo.co.in Photos: Chakkaravarthy Devarajan January 24, 2025 On December 27, 2024, Janani Murali along with her co-stars Rohit Bhat Uppoor and Keerthi Kumar, presented a dance theatre performance titled 'Man and his Shadow' at the Bangalore International Centre. This innovative narrative art form employs vachika abhinaya (verbal expression), natya nritta (dance movements), and music to delve into the complex character of Karna from the Indian epic Mahabharata. The performance is designed to explore the multifaceted nature of Karna, a character often seen as both heroic and tragic. Through their artistic expressions, the performers highlighted the dilemmas and emotional struggles faced by Karna throughout his life, making it a reflective experience for the audience. The use of various forms of artistic expression allows for a rich interpretation of Karna's journey, emphasizing themes of identity, loyalty, and moral conscience. This collaboration not only showcased the individual talents of Janani Murali, Rohit Bhat Uppoor, and Keerthi Kumar but also invited the audience to engage with the narrative on a deeper level, prompting them to consider their perspectives on Karna's character. The exploration of Karna's character in the Mahabharata reveals a profound and complex figure who embodies the struggles of identity, loyalty, and moral dilemmas. Abandoned at birth due to societal stigma, Karna's life is marked by a deep sense of conflict between his noble instincts and the harsh realities of his existence. Raised by adoptive parents who shower him with love, he grapples with the duality of his identity as both a son of a charioteer and a warrior with royal lineage. Karna's unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana, despite knowing he is fighting against his brothers, showcases his commitment to friendship and honour. This loyalty often puts him at odds with his moral compass, creating a tension that defines much of his narrative. His generosity in a transactional world further complicates his character; he is often seen as a tragic hero whose virtues are overshadowed by the circumstances that lead to his downfall. ![]() In 'Man and his Shadow,' the storyline begins with a symbolic act of flipping a coin, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the dualities of human existence - right and wrong, good and bad, light and darkness. This opening moment set the stage for the exploration of Karna's character and the moral complexities he faced throughout his life. Here's how this motif was woven into the narrative: The act of flipping a coin immediately introduced the theme of duality. Each side of the coin can represent opposing forces, mirroring the internal and external conflicts that Karna experiences. This duality is central to understanding his character, as he often found himself torn between loyalty to Duryodhana and his inherent goodness. The coin flip symbolizes choice, emphasizing that every decision has consequences. This reflects Karna's life choices, where he must navigate between his loyalty to friends and his moral compass. The randomness of a coin flip also suggests the unpredictability of fate, highlighting how circumstances beyond one's control can influence one's path. 'Man and his Shadow' delved into Karna's identity struggles by intertwining his present life with his past incarnation as Dambhodbhava, a demon cursed by Nara (Arjuna). The performance portrayed how this curse shaped Karna's destiny, symbolized by his natural armour - both a divine gift and a reminder of his past. Through expressive storytelling, it explored the duality of Karna's character - his noble aspirations contrasted with the shadows of his demonic origins. Moments of moral conflict, loyalty, and fate were brought to life, culminating in the revelation of his past during his confrontation with Arjuna. ![]() Throughout the performance, Karna's desire to be recognized as a Kshatriya (warrior class) was emphasized. Despite being raised by a charioteer, he sought to prove himself worthy of his noble lineage, which reflected his internal conflict between his birth status and his aspirations. This struggle was depicted through dance movements that expressed both his determination and his frustration. The performance illustrated how Duryodhana's acceptance of Karna as a Kshatriya provided him with a sense of identity and belonging. This friendship became a double-edged sword, as it tied him to the Kauravas and their conflicts, complicating his moral standing and furthering his identity struggles. Key moments in the performance highlighted Karna's ethical choices, such as his involvement in Draupadi's humiliation and his loyalty to Duryodhana. These actions reflected the tensions between his noble aspirations and the darker aspects of his character, showcasing the contradictions that arise from his identity crisis. Karna meets his end during the climactic battle against Arjuna when his chariot wheel becomes stuck in the mud - an ironic fulfilment of Parashurama's curse. In this vulnerable moment, he was killed by Arjuna with Krishna's guidance. Janani Murali portrayed the life of Karna, exploring his complexities and moral dilemmas. Rohit Bhat Uppor enhanced the narrative through his vocalization, dialogue delivery, and accompaniment with the khanjira, providing a rich auditory backdrop. Keerthi Kumar's role involved questioning Karna's attributes in dialogue with Rohit, adding layers to the storyline. This interplay not only highlighted Karna's character but also engaged the audience in a reflective examination of the themes of right versus wrong and the nature of human conflict. The performance ultimately invited viewers to consider the nuances of morality and identity in the context of Karna's journey. ![]() Bangalore based Satish Suri is an avid dance rasika besides being a life member of the Music and Arts Society. |