Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra presents 49th edition of dance drama ‘KRISHNA’

Delhi’s cultural stage came alive with devotion, dance, and drama as Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra (SBKK) showcased the 49th edition of its celebrated dance production KRISHNA at Kamani Auditorium from August 12 to 16.

What began decades ago as a performance has grown into a lasting tradition—a spiritual and artistic journey that continues to draw audiences into the eternal world of Lord Krishna.

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This year’s festival included evening shows for the audience as well as special morning matinees curated for school students. Reflecting the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses cultural education, SBKK held exclusive student performances on August 12 and 13.

Additional evening shows on August 14, 15, and 16 were timed to coincide with Independence Day and Janmashtami, ensuring participation from both young learners and veteran theatre-goers.

At its essence, KRISHNA unfolds as a multi-dimensional narrative portraying Lord Krishna’s life, from his divine birth in Mathura to his celestial departure. Through a harmonious blend of mythology, music, and movement, the staging highlights some of the most iconic moments of his journey: his playful childhood adventures in Gokul and Vrindavan, his eternal companionship with Radha, his role as a peace envoy before the Kurukshetra war, and his immortal dialogue with Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita.

“It is incredibly rewarding to see ||KRISHNA|| enter its 49th year” said Padma Shri Shobha Deepak Singh, the show Director and Chairperson of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra. “The life of Lord Krishna is timeless—not just as mythology, but as a guiding philosophy instilled with love, courage, and wisdom. At the Kendra, we have strived to depict this journey with emotional depth and artistic authenticity, enabling audiences to resonate with its enduring and universal truths.”

Every sequence resonates with spirituality, reminding viewers that Krishna’s saga is more than an ancient tale; it remains a living philosophy of love, wisdom, and courage.

Reflecting on the production’s milestone year, Padma Shri Shobha Deepak Singh, Director of the production and Chairperson of SBKK, said, “It is incredibly rewarding to see KRISHNA enter its 49th year. The life of Lord Krishna is not just mythology; it is philosophy. Through love, courage, and wisdom, we strive to present this journey with authenticity so audiences can connect with its universal truths.”

The choreography was led by distinguished artist Shri Shashidharan Nair, while his disciple and noted performer Shri Raj Kumar Sharma, currently heading SBKK’s Repertory, portrayed Krishna with remarkable depth and grace.

A dynamic group of younger dancers also joined the cast this year, adding freshness to the performance while upholding its traditional foundation.

Visually, the production offered a striking experience. Classical and folk dance vocabularies were intertwined with vivid costumes, ornate jewellery, and symbolic staging. A subtle use of animation brought a modern layer without diminishing the authenticity of the performance. Complementing the visuals was a rich musical score blending classical ragas with regional folk melodies, reflecting Krishna’s many dimensions, as philosopher, lover, warrior, and divine guide.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Shriram Pistons & Rings Ltd., the production once again highlighted SBKK’s enduring role in safeguarding India’s cultural legacy. For over 70 years, the institution has stood as a custodian of classical performing arts, ensuring that traditional stories remain meaningful to modern audiences.