SHOW REVIEWS
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Music Composer
A. R. Rahman
Beautiful music, Beautiful choreography, Nirupama & Rajendra have got a very infectious passion for art
Industrialist
Ratan Tata
I am deeply touched by your creativity
Member of Parliament
Sudha Murty
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
Dancer, Choreographer
&
research scholar
Dr . Padma Subrahmanyam
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.
Former Ambassador
United States of America to India
Nancy Powell
We are thrilled to see your smiles, your tears and we feel the incredible dance practice that has gone to reach the stage of expertise. It is very special for us, Americans to watch this during our independence day
Former President of India
R. Venkataraman
One of the best performances seen in India.
Dr. Padma Subramanyam an internationally reputed award-winning dancer scholar and multifaceted personality, is the President of Nruthyodaya, a 75 year old institution in Chennai India.Dr.Padma is a recipient of the second highest civilian award , the prestigious Padma Vibhushana for her immense contribution to Art & Culture. She has also been conferred with the Academy Ratna from the Sangita Natak Academy, New Delhi, honorary fellow from the ACR Society, MUMBAI and Fukuoka Asian cultural award from Japan. She has not only reconstructed the movement vocabulary of the Naatyashastra, but has also created productions which have eternal and universal appeal.
Dr . Padma Subrahmanyam
After attending the premier of Krishnaa – Fire to Frost held at Dayanand Sagar Auditorium on 3rd July 2019
“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 and every nook and corner of the earth because you are reinforcing the greatness of culture and heritage values.
-- Dr . Padma Subrahmanyam
Dr. Sudha Murty is an Indian educator, author, philanthropist and former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She is married to the co-founder of Infosys, N. R. Narayana Murty. In 2024, Murty was nominated as Member of Parliament, Government of Indai, on 8th March 2024 for her contribution on Social work & Education
Dr. Sudha Murty
After attending the premier of Krishnaa – Fire to Frost held at
Dayanand Sagar Auditorium on 5th July 2019
“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”.
-- Dr. Sudha Murty
Dr. Veena Bannanje is a well known Scholar, Philosopher, Voracious orator. Her works is Kannada literature field is enormous. She is the recipient of Kannada Sahitya Academy award. She is a modern day ascetic. She left her home in Udupi at the young age of 25 to live with Satyakama. In her own words, she was seized by a calling which was beyond human comprehension. Since then, she has lived a life of contemplation amidst of incessant activity.
Dr. Veena Bannanje
had organized their performance of this musical through Bannanje Pratishthaana on
11th Dec 2021 in Dayanand Sagar Auditorium, Bangalore
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 dvelves 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.
- Dr. Veena Bannanje
Arjun Bharadwaj is an author, researcher, and translator with deep interest in classical literature, arts, and philosophy. An engineer by training, he is well-versed in Sanskrit (MA), Kannada, English, German (ZMP), and Greek languages. Arjun works as a contributing editor of Prekshaa and is currently studying the comparative aesthetics of classical Greek and Indian literature. He has (co-)written and translated many books and authored over fifty research articles related to literature, arts, philosophy, and science. He enjoys composing poems and plays the Carnatic flute. He is also a visiting faculty at many universities and educational institutions.
Arjun Bharadwaj
After attending the premier of Krishnaa – Fire to Frost held at
Dayanand Sagar Auditorium on 11th Dec 2021
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 th 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. It was published in a reputed journal – Narthaki.com. Here is the link. Thereafter, I have watched the presentation three more times and I have always sought to watch it
again and again.
Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi is an Indian Sanskrit scholar, academic and education administrator who is currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi.
Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi
Shri Srinivas Varkhedi had organized their performance of this musical as a part of the Yajnaseni conference in Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi on 27th July 2023
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 hear 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
-- Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi
Detailed letter from Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi
