Writer : Nandini Direction : Himanshu Shah and Nandini Cast : Sandip Soparrkar, Ashmita Bakshi, Rumit Sharma, Kalyan Choudhury, Swapnil Kale, Avantika Gupta, Gyanesh Updhyay, Susheel and others
SHIV SHAKTI EK DIVYA PRANAY KATHA Review
The genesis of Indian arts and sciences is deeply rooted in Lord Shiva-the Adiyogi, the cosmic dancer Nataraja, and the ultimate destroyer, revered as Mahadeva. SHIV SHAKTI - EK DIVYA PRANAY KATHA is a reverent theatrical ode to Shiva and his eternal, cosmic romance with Shakti, manifested first as Sati and then as Parvati. Securing Sandeep Soparrkar to play Shiva proves to be a casting coup; he brings an effortless blend of divine poise and charm to the stage, beautifully matched by Ashmita Bakshi's radiant portrayal of Shakti.
The narrative traces Sati's unwavering devotion, her father King Daksha's scorn, and her tragic self-immolation at a sacrificial ritual where Shiva was deliberately slighted. It portrays Shiva's tempestuous grief-which drove Lord Vishnu to sever Sati's body with his Sudarshan Chakra to preserve cosmic balance-before transitioning into her rebirth as Parvati.
Parvati's intense penance once again awakens Shiva's dormant heart, culminating in an unconventional wedding procession that bewilders her parents before resolving into the triumphant divine union.
Directors Nandini and Shah maintain a vibrant tempo, bolstered by vivid digital projections and splendidly costumed celestial deities-including Vishnu seated upon Sheshnag, Brahma, and Indra. The production breaks the fourth wall to great effect: during the baraat, Shiva's raucous entourage of Nandi and ghostly ganas sweeps through the auditorium aisles, transforming the hall into an immersive, celebratory celebration that brings the audience directly into the mythos.
Despite being best known as a celebrated ballroom virtuoso, Soparrkar adapts to the demands of Indian classical movement with striking discipline and grace, delivering a formidable Tandava. Even more delightful is his portrayal of Bholenath-the pure-hearted, innocent deity. In one of the production's standout moments, Shiva gleefully allows Nandi and his attendants to bedeck him with serpents, ashes, and skull garlands, grinning with childlike joy amid the macabre revelry.
The supporting ensemble brings lively energy to their divine roles, with Narad Muni (Kalyan Mrinal Choudhury) offering well-timed comedic interludes. The dance choreography across the board is spirited and visually striking, framed by opulent stage design. However, the production stumbles slightly with its auditory palette: the original score by Pankaj-Preetika leaves much to be desired, feeling rather generic and lacking the melodic variety or novelty required for a spectacle of this scale.
Purists and traditionalists will find much to admire, though theatergoers seeking modern take or creative reinvention should temper expectations. The play stays firmly within the bounds of orthodox mythological storytelling.
SHIV SHAKTI - EK DIVYA PRANAY KATHA succeeds as an unapologetically grand, visually lavish tribute to sacred lore that leaves its audience thoroughly spellbound.
(A senior journalist, features writer and reviewer, and also a yoga instructor.)
SHIV SHAKTI EK DIVYA PRANAY KATHA Play Schedule(s)
