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New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Krishna Through Dance
The significance of Lord Krishna extends beyond Indian mythology. People admire, worship, and love Krishna not only as a deity but also as a figure who feels connected to their lives. And Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra (SBKK) is no exception. Like every year, this year also, it has been celebrating its flagship dance drama Krishna, from August 12-16. As the programme is in its 49th year, TMS speaks with Shobha Deepak Singh, the director of SBKK. 'The Krishna dance-drama has been an integral part of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra's annual calendar for nearly five decades. Its 49th edition carries the weight of that heritage while embracing the freshness of renewed creative expression,' says Singh. Although SBKK performs the programme every year, this year's production is special because it reimagines a beloved classic with refined choreography, intricate costume detailing, and enhanced stagecraft. "It combines the depth of live music, the visual richness of lighting design, and the disciplined artistry of our repertory dancers. For long-time audiences, it offers the comfort of tradition; for first-time viewers, it presents an immersive introduction to the timeless story of Lord Krishna,' notes Singh. The phases of Krishna This edition of Krishna focuses on multiple phases of Lord Krishna's life. It highlights his childhood in Gokul, the pastoral beauty of Vrindavan, his eternal bond with Radha, and the epic events of the Mahabharata. 'The life of Krishna is a sequence of events woven with playfulness, love, wisdom, and the triumph of dharma over adharma. By selecting episodes that span both the personal and the cosmic—from the innocence of his early years to the moral gravitas of the Kurukshetra battlefield—we offer audiences a holistic portrait of his journey. The intention is to allow viewers to travel with him through changing landscapes of emotion and purpose,' says Singh. The choreography Other than storytelling through the diversity of events in Krishna's life, what also makes the dance drama special is the choreography. This year's production is choreographed by Shashidharan Nair, a known face in India's dance-theatre circle. Trained in multiple dance genres like Kathakali, Mayurbhanj Chhau, and Kalaripayattu, he has put his experience and skills into making this production a grand success. 'What makes his association with the Kendra exceptional is the legacy he carries forward. Having performed, taught, and choreographed here for generations of dancers, he bridges tradition and innovation with equal ease. Many of our principal artists today are his protégés, shaped by his discipline and commitment to authenticity. In Krishna, his skills transform episodes—from the pastoral simplicity of Gokul to the moral urgency of Kurukshetra—into vivid representations that remain etched in the audience's memory,' Singh concludes. Krishna is ongoing till August 16 at Kamani Auditorium, Mandi House
News18
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
The 49th Edition Of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra's Iconic Dance Drama ‘KRISHNA' Returns This Janmashtami
Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra presents the 49th Edition of 'KRISHNA': A Dance Drama Depicting the Divine Journey of Lord Krishna from August 12 to 16, 2025 at Kamani Auditorium Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra (SBKK), one of India's foremost institutions dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Indian classical performing arts, proudly presents the 49th edition of its iconic dance drama KRISHNA, from August 12 to 16, 2025, at Kamani Auditorium, Mandi House, New Delhi. Evening shows commence at 6:30 p.m. daily, with three additional matinee shows scheduled for August 14, 15, and 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. This richly layered production traces the enigmatic life of Lord Krishna from his divine birth to his transcendental departure interweaving mythology, music, and movement into a profound spiritual and artistic experience. The narrative delves into pivotal moments from his life: his early years in Gokul and Vrindavan, his bond with Radha, his role as a peacemaker between the Pandavas and Kauravas, and his philosophical guidance to Arjuna on the battlefield through the Bhagavad Gita. 'It is incredibly rewarding to see KRISHNA enter its 49th year," says Padma Shri Shobha Deepak Singh, the show's Director and Chairperson of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra. 'The life of Lord Krishna is timeless not just as mythology, but as a guiding philosophy imbued with love, courage, and wisdom. At the Kendra, we strive to depict this journey with emotional depth and artistic authenticity, enabling audiences to resonate with its enduring and universal truths." The production is presented by the Kendra Dance Repertory, a professional ensemble of dancers engaged full-time in the creation and presentation of the Kendra's dance dramas. KRISHNA has been choreographed by the eminent Shri Shashidharan Nair, supported by his prime disciple and star dancer Shri Raj Kumar Sharma, Repertory In-charge at SBKK. Both bring decades of experience in the Kendra's signature style of dance drama. This year, to enhance the vitality of the production, several talented young dancers have been inducted into the Repertory. The Kendra Dance Repertory of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra (an institution of the Bharatiya Kala Kendra Trust) is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and M/s Shriram Pistons & Rings Ltd, New Delhi. SBKK's KRISHNA is a stunning blend of Indian classical and folk dance styles, enriched by beautifully designed costumes, traditional jewellery, symbolic animations, and a music score that fuses Indian classical music with regional melodies. Each scene is thoughtfully crafted to reflect Krishna's emotional, philosophical, and divine dimensions—offering audiences a rare opportunity to witness history, mythology, and folklore brought to life with artistic finesse. In alignment with the Government of India's National Education Policy 2020, which promotes cultural learning through the arts, Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra invites schools and educational institutions to attend special morning performances of KRISHNA on August 12 and 13, 2025, at Kamani Auditorium. The sessions will include a 75-minute performance followed by a 45-minute interactive workshop exploring themes on Lord Krishna. Bulk bookings are also available to schools and educational institutions for the afternoon shows on August 14, 15, and 16, 2025. For over four decades, SBKK's KRISHNA has inspired audiences of all generations with its timeless message of love, duty, compassion, and truth. The production offers not only an artistic display but also a spiritual inquiry into life's deeper meanings making it an ideal cultural offering for both the young and the old. This presentation stands as a testament to Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra's unwavering commitment to nurturing India's cultural identity through performance, training in Indian classical music and dance, and public engagement for the past seven decades. As the nation seeks to reconnect its youth with timeless values and traditions, KRISHNA promises to be more than a production—it is an experience that uplifts, enlightens, and endures. Entry by tickets priced at ₹3,500, ₹2,500, ₹1,500, ₹1,000, ₹750, ₹500, and ₹300 on BookMyShow. Physical tickets can be collected from Kamani Auditorium from August 9, 2025, onwards or on show dates. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
