Choreographer Mayuri Upadhya Explores Faith In Bhakti

Mayuri Upadhya, a renowned choreographer, is set to showcase her latest work, Bhakti - A Shared Longing, at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) this week. In an interview, she shared her thoughts on the concept of Bhakti and its significance in her life and art.

For Upadhya, Bhakti is a personal and introspective concept that encourages individuals to look beyond their individual identities and connect with something larger. She believes that in today's world, people are often encouraged to live in a world of binaries, where they are forced to choose between right and wrong, or us versus them. However, she thinks that it is possible to hold one's convictions and still be open to different ideas and perspectives.

Upadhya's journey with Bhakti began when she started reading about Bhakti poets from different regions, religions, and languages. She was struck by the fact that despite their differences, they were all pointing towards a common truth and a deeper consciousness that connects us all. For her, dance is a way to respond to the world and make sense of it, and Bhakti became her way of coping with the complexities of life.

The choreographer has used the works of various poets, including Meerabai and Khusrow, in her production. When asked what links these poets, she said that it was not about creating a collection of poems or poets, but about creating a conversation through many voices. She believes that the saints and poets she has drawn inspiration from represent deeply evolved human beings, and their art is not separate from their spiritual journey.

Upadhya's production, Bhakti - A Shared Longing, is an invitation to zoom out of our individual identities and become part of something larger. It is a shared longing that connects us all, despite our differences, and a reminder that our yearning for love, truth, and connection is a common thread that runs through us all.

The production is a unique blend of music, dance, and poetry, and features the works of thirteen poets from different backgrounds and traditions. Upadhya's choreography is inspired by the struggles, journeys, and points of awakening of each of these poets, and is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us with something deeper and more meaningful.

In a world that is increasingly divided and fragmented, Upadhya's production is a timely reminder of the importance of connection, compassion, and understanding. It is a call to look beyond our individual identities and connect with something larger, and to recognize that our shared longing for love, truth, and connection is what ultimately unites us.

The production will showcase at the NCPA this week, and is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of art, spirituality, and human connection.

In conclusion, Mayuri Upadhya's Bhakti - A Shared Longing is a powerful and thought-provoking production that explores the concept of Bhakti and its significance in our lives. It is a reminder that our individual identities are not the only thing that defines us, and that we are all connected by a shared longing for love, truth, and connection.

The production is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us with something deeper and more meaningful. It is a call to look beyond our individual identities and connect with something larger, and to recognize that our shared longing for love, truth, and connection is what ultimately unites us.

As we navigate the complexities of life, Upadhya's production is a timely reminder of the importance of connection, compassion, and understanding. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of art, spirituality, and human connection.