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 Shringara and Bhakti: A divine exploration through classical dance - Anurag Chauhan e-mail: anuragchauhanoffice@gmail.com February 23, 2025 In the world of Indian classical dance, where rasa - the essence of emotions - defines the soul of performance, Shringara and Bhakti emerged as a deeply evocative exploration of love and devotion. Conceptualised by the indefatigable Dr. Usha RK, this two-day production delved into the nuanced interplay between shringara (romantic love) and bhakti (spiritual devotion), unraveling the timeless question: Does shringara ultimately lead to bhakti, or is bhakti inherently imbued with shringara? Hosted on Feb 15 and 16, 2025 at the esteemed Nalanda Dance Research Centre, an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indian classical arts for over five decades, the production stood as a testament to the enduring relevance of these narratives. In an era of rapid modernisation, where traditional performing arts often struggle for space, both Dr. Usha RK and Nalanda continue to play an indispensable role in ensuring these stories reach audiences with their original gravitas and aesthetic depth.  Dr.Usha RK For over 15 years, Dr. Usha RK has been a guiding force in conceptualising productions that transcend mere performance, transforming them into immersive experiences that bring mythology, devotion, and philosophy to life. Her meticulous research and keen artistic sensibility allow her to craft productions where every nuance of movement, expression (abhinaya), and rhythm (tala) aligns to serve a greater narrative purpose. With Shringara and Bhakti, she once again demonstrated her ability to seamlessly blend scholarship with stagecraft. Through her unwavering commitment, she continues to be a custodian of India's classical traditions, ensuring that the language of dance remains as potent and relevant today as it has been for centuries. Founded over five decades ago, Nalanda Dance Research Centre has been a torchbearer in the sphere of classical dance, playing a pivotal role in nurturing talent, fostering academic inquiry, and providing a platform for the highest standards of performance. At a time when classical dance risks being relegated to the margins in favour of more contemporary and commercially viable forms, Nalanda remains a sanctuary for artistic excellence. By hosting performances such as Shringara and Bhakti, the institution reaffirms its dedication to sustaining and evolving the vast repertoire of Indian classical traditions, ensuring that these art forms continue to be experienced and understood in their fullest depth. Day One: The dance of Love and Devotion The inaugural evening opened with performances by Himanshu Srivastava and Sathyanarayana Raju, each exploring different dimensions of Shringara and Bhakti through the personas of Sri Krishna and Mahadev.  Himanshu Srivastava Himanshu Srivastava's interpretation of Sri Krishna was steeped in the essence of Shringara, emphasising the irresistible charm and divine playfulness of the deity. His portrayal of Krishna's relationships - whether with Radha, the Gopis, or the devotees who seek union with the divine - reflected the multifaceted nature of love, oscillating between human longing and spiritual transcendence. One of the most striking moments was the depiction of Champakalata, a Gopi who, caught in the obligations of daily life, longs to join Krishna's Holi celebrations with Radha. Her internal conflict - torn between duty and desire - was beautifully expressed, embodying the idea that shringara, in its purest form, is a step towards bhakti. While his performance effectively captured the aesthetic appeal of Krishna's playful interactions, it did not reach the level of a masterclass in abhinaya, where every glance and gesture carries the weight of divine emotion. Nonetheless, the piece was a delightful ode to the Madhura Bhakti tradition, where devotion itself takes on the colors of romantic love.  Sathyanarayana Raju In contrast, Sathyanarayana Raju's portrayal of Mahadev was a deeply introspective journey into the depth of Bhakti. Where Krishna's love is playful, transient, and filled with divine mischief, Mahadev's love is absolute, unwavering, and all-consuming. Through a performance marked by precision in movement and spiritual intensity, Sathyanarayana Raju embodied the meditative, ascetic energy of Shiva. His exploration of Bhakti went beyond devotion as mere worship - it became an act of complete surrender, an annihilation of the self in the presence of the divine. His command over subtle expressions (mukhabhinaya), coupled with the gravitas of stillness - a rare quality in dance - made his performance a standout of the evening. The contrast between Krishna's playful allure and Mahadev's profound renunciation offered the audience a layered understanding of how love and devotion manifest in different divine forms. Day Two: A culmination in mastery The second day opened with Adithya's performance, which brought forth a powerful and deeply moving portrayal of Rama's lament for Sita.  Adithya PV Adithya's performance was a stunning exploration of longing, loss, and realisation. As Rama, he took the audience through the emotional turbulence of a divine hero grappling with human sorrow. His depiction of Rama's grief over Sita's abduction was particularly moving. As Rama searches for Sita, he sees her in every aspect of nature - the moon reflecting her face, the cuckoo echoing her sweet voice, the deer carrying the charm of her eyes. This sequence, brought to life through Adithya's controlled expressions and delicate mudras, was an exquisite blend of poetry and performance. Another deeply evocative moment was Rama's realisation of his inexplicable love for Sita, as he oscillates between despair, hope, and guilt. His interactions with Hanuman, brimming with urgency and self-reproach, showcased a masterful grasp of both physical storytelling and emotional depth. Adithya's portrayal was spellbinding, capturing the essence of Bhakti within Shringara - his Rama was not just a devoted husband but a seeker realising the profound depth of divine love.  Deepak Mazumdar The grand finale belonged to Deepak Mazumdar, whose performance was nothing short of a masterclass in abhinaya. Bringing together the themes, emotions, and philosophical undertones explored over the two days, he created a seamless amalgamation of all that had come before, yet elevated it to a level of artistic sublimity. His ability to shift effortlessly between Shringara and Bhakti, making each emotion resonate with an authenticity that transcended mere technique, was a testament to his artistry. Every glance, every subtle movement of the fingers, every shift in stance was imbued with meaning, making the audience not just witness but feel the divine essence of the stories being told. The Unsung Heroes: The musicians  No classical dance performance is complete without the brilliance of its accompanying musicians, who breathe life into movement and emotion. The evocative performances in Shringara and Bhakti were elevated by a stellar live ensemble, each artist weaving a rich sonic tapestry that deepened the narrative’s impact. Sujesh Menon’s soulful vocals captured the essence of devotion and longing, while Kalishwaran Pillai’s precise nattuvangam provided the rhythmic framework that guided the dancers’ intricate footwork. The resonant beats of Dakshinamurthy Pillai’s mridangam lent a dynamic pulse to the storytelling, and Raghunandan’s flute melodies, imbued with delicate nuances, transported the audience into realms of divine love and surrender. Together, their artistry ensured that the evening was not just a visual spectacle but an immersive experience where music and movement merged seamlessly into transcendence. As the curtains fell on Shringara and Bhakti, one thing became clear: in the sacred space of classical dance, Shringara and Bhakti are not opposites, but two sides of the same coin - each leading the seeker closer to the divine. Dr. Usha RK and Nalanda Dance Research Centre continue to uphold these traditions, ensuring that Indian classical dance remains not just preserved, but profoundly alive.  Anurag Chauhan, an award-winning social worker and arts impresario, combines literature and philanthropy to inspire positive change. His impactful storytelling and cultural events enrich lives and communities. |
