NCPA Spotlights Indian Classical Dance with Shoorpanakhankam, Taal Vani
Moving beyond her familiar portrayal in the Ramayana, the production reveals Shoorpanakha as a grieving mother, a woman confronting rejection and a voice questioning the nature of justice.
The NCPA presents an evening of Indian classical dance featuring two distinctive productions that celebrate the expressive range of the performing arts. While Shoorpanakhankam – A Novel Interpretation revisits a lesser-known episode from Indian mythology through the dramatic language of Kathakali, Taal Vani brings together Kathak and percussion in an immersive exploration of rhythm, improvisation and musical dialogue. Together, the two works offer audiences contrasting yet complementary experiences rooted in tradition while embracing fresh artistic perspectives.
Shoorpanakhankam – A Novel Interpretation, presented by Dr. Sadanam K. Harikumar and the Sadanam Kathakali Academy, revisits the story of Shoorpanakha through a lesser-known Puranic narrative, offering audiences the opportunity to encounter one of Indian mythology's most misunderstood characters from a fresh perspective. Moving beyond her familiar portrayal in the Ramayana, the production reveals Shoorpanakha as a grieving mother, a woman confronting rejection and a voice questioning the nature of justice.
Beginning with her arrival in Panchavati in search of her son, Shambhu Kumara, the narrative follows her encounter with Rama and Lakshmana, the events that lead to her disfigurement, and her return after the war to question whether the punishment she endured for loving Rama was just. Through the expressive language of Kathakali, the production explores love, loss, compassion and redemption across lifetimes.
Kathak by Neha Banerjee.
The evening also features Taal Vani, presented by Vishal Krishna and Kathak Darpan Trust, an original production that explores rhythm as a universal language by bringing together the vocabulary of Kathak with the resonant energy of the djembe. Performed by Kathak exponents Vishal Krishna and Neha Banerjee alongside celebrated percussionist Taufiq Qureshi, the work unfolds through six thoughtfully curated segments—from an invocation to Shiva and intricate rhythmic compositions to a djembe solo, a dialogue of artistic lineages, a choreographic interpretation in Raga Jog and a spirited jugalbandi. Blending structure with spontaneity, Taal Vani celebrates the possibilities of artistic exchange across forms and traditions.
Taufiq Qureshi
Leading Shoorpanakhankam is Dr. Sadanam K. Harikumar, a highly acclaimed Kathakali artiste, vocalist, playwright, painter and sculptor whose contributions have expanded the artistic language of Kathakali through original productions and innovations in costume and make-up design. A recipient of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award and the National Best Teacher Award, he is also a ‘Top’ grade artiste of Doordarshan and a ‘B-High’ grade artiste of Akashavani for Carnatic music. He currently serves as the Principal of Gandhi Seva Sadan (Sadanam Kathakali Academy), Kerala, and is joined by artistes from the Sadanam Kathakali Academy in bringing this production to life.
Taal Vani is performed by acclaimed Kathak artiste Vishal Krishna, Kathak exponent Neha Banerjee and internationally renowned percussionist Taufiq Qureshi. A disciple of Birju Maharaj, Banerjee is currently under the mentorship of Saswati Sen and Shila Mehta. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Kathak, is a Doordarshan B-High Grade and ICCR empanelled artiste, and is the Founder of the Kathak Darpan Trust, Chennai. Together, the three artistes combine their distinct artistic traditions to present an engaging exploration of rhythm through dance, percussion and improvisation.
Join us to experience an evening that brings together compelling storytelling, masterful dance and rhythmic virtuosity, offering fresh perspectives on mythology alongside an engaging celebration of movement and music.
Experimental Theatre | July 18, 2026 | 5.00 pm
Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted