SANDESHAM - a dance drama is based on the story of Rukmini and Krishna’s love. The text has been taken from the SRIMAD BHAAGAVATHA.
Rukmini was the daughter of Bhishmaka, the king of Vidarbha. Bhismaka was the vassal of King Jarasandha of Magadha. She fell in love with and longed for Krishna, whose virtue, character, charm and greatness she had heard much of. Rukmini's eldest brother Rukmi though was a friend of evil King Kamsa, who was killed by Krishna and was set against the marriage.
Rukmini's parents wanted to marry Rukmini to Krishna but Rukmi, her brother strongly opposed it. Rukmi was an ambitious prince and he did not want to earn the wrath of Emperor Jarasandha, who was ruthless. Instead, he proposed that she be married to his friend Shishupala, the crown prince of Chedi. Shishupala was also a vassal and close associate of Jarasandha and hence an ally of Rukmi.
Bhishmaka gave in but Rukmini, who had overheard the conversation was horrified and immediately sent for a brahmana, Sunanda, whom she trusted and asked him to deliver a letter to Krishna. She asked Krishna to come to Vidarbha and kidnap her to avoid a battle where her relatives may be killed. She suggested that he do this when she was on her way to the temple or back. Rukmini asked that he claim her to marry her. Krishna, having received the message in Dwarka, immediately set out for Vidarbha with Balarama, his elder brother.
Meanwhile, Shishupala was overjoyed at the news from Rukmi that he could simply go to Kundina (present day Koundanyapur) Amravati district and claim Rukmini. Jarasandha, not so trusting, sent all his vassals and allies along because he felt that Krishna would certainly come to snatch Rukmini away.
Bhishmaka and Rukmini received the news that Krishna was coming by their respective spies. Bhishmaka, who secretly approved of Krishna and wished he would take Rukmini away had a furnished mansion set up for him.
He welcomed them joyfully and made them comfortable. Meanwhile, at the palace, Rukmini got ready for her upcoming marriage. She went to Indrani temple on the day of Jyeshtha star (ruled by Indra) to pray but was severely disappointed when she did not see Krishna there. As she stepped out, she saw Krishna and he soon swept her into his chariot with him. They both started to ride off when Shishupala noticed them. All of Jarasandha's forces quickly started chasing them. While Balarama occupied most of them and held them back Rukmi had almost caught up with Krishna and Rukmini. He overtook Krishna near Bhadrod.
Krishna and Rukmi duelled with the inevitable result of Krishna's victory. When Krishna was about to kill Rukmi, Rukmini fell at the feet of Krishna and begged that her brother's life be spared. Krishna, generous as always, agreed, but as punishment, shaved Rukmi's head and let him go free. There was no greater shame for a warrior than a visible sign of defeat. At Dwaraka, Krishna was married to Rukmini with great pomp and ceremony.
This entire story will be presented in a solo dance drama presentation.
Original score: Vidwan H S Venugopal.
Music, Choreography and Concept: Sushma Mohan.
ABOUT SUSHMA MOHAN
Guru Sushma Mohan, artistic director of Soorya Arts Academy LOS ANGELES is an award winner dancer, choreographer and musician. Having learnt from various gurus in India for more than 2 decades, Sushma has performed at acclaimed festival in USA and India.
Guru Sushma Mohan has been honored by the state of NEW JERSEY for her artistic contributions and was invited to perform at the State Festival in New Jersey. She has been an invited guest lecturer at the Rutgers university dance department, NJ. Guru Sushma Mohan has also performed in India at the renowned Mysore Dasara Festival, Iskcon cultural fest Bangalore, Tirumala Tirupathi temples and many national level dance festivals in India. Her dance ensemble has been invited to perform at various dance festivals in the USA like the Glendale Brand plaza summer concerts LOS ANGELES, Utah Festival of Dances– Salt Lake City, St. Louis natya Festival, Thousand Oaks India Festival, San Pedro dance festival, ARCH festival New York, San Antonio National Indian dance festival, etc.
- Choreographed and worked as an associate choreographer for numerous dance productions that have been presented at prestigious dance festivals in India, France, Holland, and USA.
- Selected as a festival producer by the of Cultural affairs, Los Angeles CA
- Chosen as a performing artist by the Los Angeles public library system, and her presentation will be featured all across libraries of Los Angeles in 2018
- Invited by the state of NJ twice to perform for the NJ State Cultural festival
- Dance Consultant to all dance productions of Shanthala Arts Academy Bangalore and Soorya Performing Arts, St. Louis
- First Indian classical dancer to start Indian dance classes at YMCA NJ
- Advisory board member to RAGACHITRA NY, Arts producer and non-profit organization and to Natya exam board.
