Article - My journey into abhinaya - Sushma Kotireddy

My obsession with abhinaya began long before I knew what the word meant. As a child learning Bharatanatyam, I believed dance was all about thattā adavu and nattā adavu, precise footwork, rigid postures, and counting beats. I practiced tirelessly, unaware that the real magic of Bharatanatyam lay not in the steps, but in the silent conversation that happens through eyes, hands, and subtle expressions.

The first crack in this belief came unexpectedly when I was around 8 years old, while watching a television serial Malgudi Days. In one episode, a small girl performed the padam "Krishna nee begane baro." I could not understand the words, but I was mesmerized. Her eyes searched for Krishna, her hands reached out in longing, and her face softened with devotion. She was not simply dancing; she was speaking directly to the divine. That fleeting moment planted the seed of abhinaya in my heart. After this, I started observing the world, the people differently. 

Read more in the site

Please type your name along with your comment. Anonymous and derogatory comments are likely to be removed.