Padmavati - An Avatar is a solo operatic theme production based on stories of a temple dancer, who is at the centre of 'Gita Govindam' by poet Jayadeva. Sringara rasa is the sensual thread of this love poem that is woven around Padmavati and Jayadeva.
USA-based Bharatantayam dancer Bala Devi Chandrashekar who has eight solo-theme dance productions to her credit says, "Whilst the allegorical union of Padmavati and Jayadeva is highly sublime and is held in high esteem and adoration by many, this presentation is juxtaposed with the amorous intimacy of Lord Krishna and Radha."
'Padmavati' is woven into four acts: SAALOKHYAM - living in His world, SAAROOPYAM - becoming one with Him, SAAMEEPYAM - being close to Him and finally SAAYUJYAM - to merge with the beloved.
Main credits of this production - Concept, research and choreography: Bala Devi Chandrashekar. Lyrics: Dr S. Umapathi Shiromani. Music: Rajkumar Bharathi. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Sai Shravanam, Resound India. Jathis and mridangam: Guru Bharadwaj.
Padmavati is to be staged on Dec.21 at Bhavan's Natya Utsav in Kilpauk, on Dec.30 for Kartik Fine Arts (at Bhavans hall Mylapore) and on Jan.2, 2020 at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha.