Voices of Rasika

“To bring the Mahabharata in dance is a Herculean task, which Nirupama and Rajendra have achieved. The concept was communicated beautifully and the choreography was unparalleled. I saw the true Bharata's Natya with all four abhinayas presented in an extraordinary manner.”

“You should take this production to every nook and corner of the earth because you are reinforcing the greatness of culture and heritage values.”

Internationally reputed dancer and scholar, President of Nrithyodaya, Chennai. Recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, the Sangeet Natak Akademi's Akademi Ratna and the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize.

“In general, women face a lot of challenges in their life but when we see the great difficulties faced by epic characters like Draupadi, it inspires us to deal with our troubles better. The saga of Draupadi was brought to life by Abhinava Dance Company in a grand manner even better than what I had imagined. The music, dance, costume, lighting, and the performance of the artistes touched my heart.”

Educator, author, philanthropist and former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation; nominated Member of Parliament in 2024.

“I, Veena Bannanje, the founder of the Bannanje Prathishtana, have organized Abhinava Dance Company's production twice, once in Bangalore and once in my village, Kalhalli. Witnessing this big scale production presented by the wonderful team was truly remarkable. Each artist brought profound and impactful artistry to the forefront, taking on multiple roles and characters from the epic.”

“Innovative and remarkable, the technique employed to transport the Mahabharata era onto the modern stage is nothing short of mesmerizing. With each scene, the performance delves deep into the human experience, mirroring Draupadi's poignant life that tug at the heartstrings. It's an odyssey, a passage from earthly trials to celestial realms. Abhinava Dance Company's production Krishnaa — Fire to Frost is an experience that must be savored at least once in a lifetime. Nirupama Rajendra's portrayal of Draupadi's unwavering devotion, resilience, and elegance are brought to life with such vividness that it leaves an indelible mark on the soul. Their choreography, a symphony of movement and emotion, weaves seamlessly with the interplay of light and sound, creating a tapestry of enchantment that captivates the senses. To miss the production Krishnaa is to deny oneself an encounter with the sublime.”

Scholar, philosopher and orator with an enormous body of work in Kannada literature; recipient of the Kannada Sahitya Academy award.

“It has been a great pleasure and privilege to have been associated with the Abhinava Dance Company for the last decade. I have been fortunate to have witnessed four times the staging of one of their most fabulous productions named Krishnaa — From Fire to Frost. The theme derives its inspiration from the grandest epic of India, the Mahabharata, and sketches the emotional landscape of Draupadi, the heroine of the epic. The choreographers, Smt. Nirupama Rajendra and Sri. T D Rajendra, have spatiotemporally recreated the episodes of the epic with such nuances that every movement is filled with suggestions and metaphors. The internationally renowned dancer duo are known for their exquisite choreographies which are rooted in traditional Indian theatre, but have a global appeal — their choreographies are a rare blend of the ancient and the modern, classical and the contemporary, material and the spiritual. The production Krishnaa aesthetically blends the grammar of many dance and drama forms of India. Watching the production not only entertains but also educates the audience on universal human values.”

“I have written a detailed review of the first staging of the production in July 2019, published in a reputed journal, Narthaki.com. Thereafter, I have watched the presentation three more times and I have always sought to watch it again and again. I am glad that the production has been invited for performances in the USA. My best wishes to the team.”

Author, researcher and translator with deep interest in classical literature, arts and philosophy; contributing editor of Prekshaa.

“The uniqueness of Abhinava production creates an objective experience and leaves a long lasting impression in all viewers. It’s an enthralling and appealing play with multilayered effects to each and everyone. It touches one’s heart and reveals the inner Bhavan into many characters. Indian value system and cultures are reflected in these plays such a way the whole world will be transformed into a joyful theatre.”

“I wish the team Abhinava all the best for their performance during US Trip 2024.”

Sanskrit scholar, academic and education administrator; Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi.