Unveiling the Scope of Abhinaya in Rādhikā Śāntvanamu

Rādhikā Śāntvanamu, a Telugu poetic work by Muddupalani, offers a rich foundation for abhinaya in Bharatanāṭyam. The text is filled with deep emotions of love and longing and union, especially portraying Viraha(separation) of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.Unlike many traditional works where the heroine is portrayed as passive, this text presents Rādhā as a strong and expressive character, giving dancers a wider range of emotions to explore. This study highlights how Rādhikā Śāntvanamu can be adapted for Bharatanāṭyam performances, similar to how dancers use Gīta Govinda. By examining the emotional depth of the text, this research emphasizes its potential to enrich abhinaya, making it a valuable addition to Bharatanāṭyam’s expressive repertoire.