10 Minutes with Shantha : Chapter 16 Summary - Navarasas

Shall We Dance : Chapter 16 Summary : Navarasas

Shantha eloquently describes the Navarasas as the essence of Bharatanatyam, weaving emotions into a visual symphony.

She explained how the nine rasas — Shringara (love), Hasya (laughter), Karuna (compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera (heroism), Bhayanaka (fear), Bibhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Shanta (peace) — form the foundation of storytelling in this classical art form.

Shantha emphasized that these emotions allow the dancer to connect deeply with the audience, transcending language and cultural barriers. Through precise expressions and gestures, each rasa brings a unique shade of human experience to life.

She beautifully highlighted how the balance of these emotions creates harmony in a performance. “The Navarasas”.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Chapter 16. Abhinaya, Navarassas. This chapter develops into the deep concept of Navarassas,

(00:10):
the nine fundamental emotions expressed in Bhartanatyam. These emotions form the core
of Abhinaya in the dance form, allowing dances to convey a wide range of feelings and narratives
through their performances. Each Navarassas is intricately portrayed using a combination

(00:31):
of facial expressions, body language and hand gestures aiming to evoke a powerful emotional
response from the audience. The nine Navarassas, out of that first one is Sringara, love and
beauty. The characteristics include considered the king of all rasas. Sringara represents

(00:54):
love in its many forms from romantic and platonic to divine love. It is characterized by gentle
smiles, raised eyebrows and soft cases. The expressions and gestures, mudras like
hamsaya and mayura are used. Facial expressions include smiling, pouting and shedding tears,

(01:20):
while body movements are graceful and sweeping to convey tenderness and beauty.
Depictions in dance, commonly depicted in Padmas, Javali's and Thilanas, often through stories
of divine love such as those of Radha and Krishna. Costumes and jewelry enhance the

(01:42):
visual appeal with items like the mang, thikka, highlighting facial expressions. The second
one is haasiya, laughter and myth. The characteristics represents humor ranging from simple smiles
to loud and laughter. The expressions and gestures include facial expressions like smiles, raised

(02:07):
eyebrows and wings and mudras are used to depict teasing, mocking and imitating actions.
Depictions in dance, found in compositions based on humor and satire. Costumes and makeup
enhance the comedic effect with dancers using light hearted movements to depict everyday

(02:28):
experiences humorously. Karuna, compassion and empathy, characteristics
includes it evokes feelings of compassion and mercy often depicting suffering and the
urge of support and comfort. Expressing gestures, the facial expression includes tears, furrowed

(02:52):
brows and sighs, mudras convey comforting, consoling and embracing actions. It is seen
in Padmas and Varnams with themes of love, devotion and suffering. Costumes often use
muted colors to create a sense of calm and serenity.

(03:14):
Raudra, anger and fury. It represents intense anger and violence, the most potent and violent
emotion. The expressions and gestures include scowls, clenched jaws and piercing gaises.
Mudras depict striking, cutting and thirsting actions. Found in compositions about war,

(03:39):
conflict and power often depicting gods and goddesses displaying wrath. Costumes use bold
colors and sharp edges to enhance the sense of aggression.
Veera, courage and heroism. The characteristics portrays heroism, self-confidence, bravery

(04:00):
and courage. Expressions and gestures depicts heroic characteristics using fluid and graceful
movements. Both male and female characters can embody Veera with facial expressions conveying
confidence and determination. Depictions in dance, themes from epics like Mahabharata

(04:23):
and Ramayana and contemporary themes like social activism, showcasing bravery and heroism.
Bhayanaka, fear and terror. The characteristics represents fear and terror depicting anxiety
from foreseen or unforeseen horrible circumstances. Facial expressions include wide eyes and trembling.

(04:49):
Mudras depict actions of retreating or shielding. Used for supernatural beings, mythical characters
like Ramana and contemporary themes of violence and oppression intended to create drama and
emotional intensity. Vibhasta, disgust. Characteristics expresses feelings of disgust and repulsion.

(05:17):
This includes expressions of distaste and revulsion. Mudras depict actions associated
with unpleasantness. Depictions in dance used for grostic characteristics or situations
such as Shurpanaka from Ramayana can also portray contemporary issues like environmental

(05:40):
degradation.
Adbhutha, wonder and amazement. The characteristics conveys a sense of awe and curiosity filled
with innocence and wonder. Expressions and gestures includes wide-eyed expressions and
gestures depicting amazement. Depictions in dance portrays divine characteristics like

(06:06):
divine characters like Lord Krishnath performing miracles intended to inspire awe in the audience.
Shanta, peace, represents inner peace and calm, a state of bliss and tranquility. The
facial expressions and gestures are serene and composed. Reflects themes of meditation

(06:31):
and spiritual calmness achieve through discipline, practice and mindfulness often taught through
traditional Guru Shishya relationship. In conclusion, this chapter underscores the significance
of Navarasa in Bhartanathim illustrating how each rasa adds depth and dimension to

(06:52):
the dance. Mastery of these emotions allows dancers to connect deeply with their audience,
creating a rich and immersive storytelling experience through their performances. The
portrayal of Navarasa in Bhartanathim is not just about technical execution but also about

(07:13):
evoking and transmitting profound emotional experiences.