A girl whose thoughts were filled with classical dance, when grown up, married into the royal family of Maharaja Sri Swathi Thirunal—whose contributions to Mohiniyattam are priceless, and whose lifetime is considered the golden era of Mohiniyattam. She considers it as a blessing. Now, years later, she has again been handpicked by the Almighty to portray the life of Adi Shankaracharya through dance.
In this conversation with Gopika Varma, PSB Nambiar Sooryavamsham explores the inspiration, research, and process behind ‘Namami Shankaram’, a Mohiniyattam portrayal of Adi Shankaracharya’s life.
Interview by
PSB Nambiar Sooryavamsham
In this conversation with Gopika Varma, PSB Nambiar Sooryavamsham explores the inspiration, research, and process behind ‘Namami Shankaram’, a Mohiniyattam portrayal of Adi Shankaracharya’s life.
Photo Credits
SAMANVAY ARTS FESTIVAL
PRESENTED BY SRI RAJARAJESHWARI KALANIKETAN, BENGALURU
AND ALSO – SRI VALSON B VENNIKKAL
- A dancer often senses a spark for a new choreography. Can you tell us how ‘Namami Shankaram’ first took shape in your mind? I was invited to perform for Adi Shankara Jayanthi in Indore in March 2017. I was confused about what to perform. One day, I went to my friend Krithika Subramanian’s house for dinner. Her mother-in-law was reading a commentary on Adi Shankaracharya. I asked her for the book, and she kindly said I could keep it. That book opened the door to this work—‘Namami Shankaram’—based on the great life and compositions (Krithees) of Adi Shankaracharya.
- Did you perform ‘Namami Shankaram’ that year itself ? No, just two items. As I said before, that was only the beginning.
- So, once you had your thoughts focused on the new choreography, were there any obstacles at the beginning or in between ? Then my search was for scholars. Since Adi Shankara has many schools, it was very difficult. Thiruvithamcore Royal Familiy’s Kulaguru is Sringeri, but I live in Tamilnadu. so I needed to consider Kanchi as well.
- It will be interesting to know how you overcame that situation! I read five different biographies of the Jagadguru and took guidance from various Peethams to create the varnam for ‘Namami Shankaram’.
- Such a detailed study needs a lot of time. You’re a busy performer and guru. Was time management difficult? Yes, I had to read a lot. I found time during my travels.
- Once you completed your research, did you have a clear idea about what to include in the presentation? Or did you make changes during the process? I grew up hearing Adi Shankara’s stories from my grandfather. Those stories were ingrained in me. After my research, I rearranged and added sequences accordingly.
- What was your plan for selecting the key episodes? I wanted to narrate the story like reading an Amar Chitra Katha—in a smooth, engaging flow.
- Now that you have performed it, do you feel anything should have been added or avoided? There’s always more to add. Every day, a Sanskrit scholar reveals a new gem about Adi Shankara. He composed around 300 Krithees. I’m working on a few more, which will help me add different items to my repertoire depending on the occasion.
- How did you manage the musical components, especially choosing the Ragas? I had a clear picture of the music. It needed to be suitable for dance, but the rasa (essence) could not be compromised. The varnam was written by Sri Pagalbh, a student of Sri Thyagarajan of the Padma Shri Rudrapatnam Brothers. I also sought their advice. Sri Binu Gopal, Sri Girish Menon (Kalakshetra), and Sri Arun Gopinath helped shape the music for the other pieces in Namami Shankaram.
- A famous incident in Adi Shankara’s life is his interaction with the Chandala. How did you approach this? Yes, it's a significant moment. Lord Shiva, disguised as a Chandala, appears with a few dogs. When Adi Shankara tells him to move aside, the Chandala asks, “Is it me, my body, or my soul that should move?” That profound question melts Shankara’s ego. I included this in Namami Shankaram. When I performed it in Bengaluru on March 9, it received a huge round of applause. There were Acharyas from Sringeri Mutt and many Sanskrit scholars in the audience. The standing ovation was not for me, Gopika Varma, but for the divinity and scholarly greatness of Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Everywhere I perform it, the audience approaches it with great devotion.
- Did you receive any thoughts or guidance from the royal family once you started this project? Yes. My mother-in-law, Princess Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, guided me throughout. Even now, she is advising me on my new work—'Amaruka Shatakam' by Adi Shankaracharya.
- Now that you’ve choreographed this unique production on the life of Shankaracharya, how do you view the journey? I see it as something predetermined by the Supreme Power. It just came to me—I can't explain how. Isn’t it God's plan? Otherwise, how would a work like this, related to Adi Shankara Jayanthi, reach someone like me—living in a corner of Kerala—when there are so many legendary artists out there? I’m just trying to do my duty with sincerity and devotion to the divine will. (She became emotional while saying this.)
- It is wonderful to know that Namami Shankaram is receiving a great response and new invitations every day. We wish you all the best! Thank you.
I’m only trying to fulfill the duty handed to me by God—with utmost devotion and sincerity
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