All images by Nirmallo Chakravarty  

If Helen of Troy was the face that launched a thousand ships in Homer’s Illiad, the insult brought upon Draupadi in Vyasa’s Mahabharata was the catalyst that brought death to thousands.

The Mahabharata, one of greatest epics in the world, originates from India and has been retold in various times over hundreds of generations through poetry, literature, dance, art, films and even comics.

However, the focus has largely been on the legendary Pandavas, instead of their shared queen, Draupadi.  Now, Neha Mondal Chakravarty seeks to shine the spotlight on this pre-feminist icon, to bring the character to life for Malaysian audiences through India’s oldest dance form, the Bharatanatyam.

The Unheard Plea, is a powerful dance piece that first premiered at the The Drive East Festival, New York to a standing ovation.

Neha began her orientation in Bharatanatyam in the abode of her own home in Delhi, India, since the tender age of five.

She trained under several Bharatanatyam greats; Guru Jayshankar Menon, Guru Jayalakshmi Eshwar and Archita Mehta, who taught her to refine nuances of the Kalakshetra style.

Possessing a Post Diploma in Bharatanatyam from Rukmini Devi College Of Fine Arts, Chennai, Neha also has a bachelors degree in Bharatanatyam.

Naturally, we just had to hear from Neha herself on why she chose Draupadi as the subject of her dance piece.

Hey there, Neha! How old were you when you were first introduced to the Mahabharata and why does the epic resonate so much with you even until today?

In India, these epics are almost everyday household stories where examples are quoted from the characters. One of the most quoted example from the Mahabharata is the discourse by Lord Krishna prior to the great war. Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers has cold feet, and Krishna’s words serve as a balm to his soul.

In fact, the entire discourse is compiled into a book known as the Bhagavad Gita  – it is one of the holiest books for practising Hindus. So the relevance of the age old epic is clearly evident even in present times.

I was first introduced to the Mahabharatha at the young age of six-years-old. Watching the Mahabharata as a television series during the weekend was one of my family’s favourite get together time. The whole family would sit in front of the television, to watch the epic every Sundays.

At the end of the show, curiosity would always set in and my family would have a post discussion where us kids would pose innocent questions. Why are the Kauravas not fair to the Pandavas? Why did the blind king not protest when Draupadi was humiliated? Why is Krishna always in favour of the Pandavas? Even until today, the curiosity still remains.

The only difference now is that I am able to rationalise and relate to the different characters. Ultimately, these characters are representative to current times.

Draupadi is among the most complex characters not only emotionally, but mentally as well. How will you be channeling her in your dance?

She is certainly considered an icon of early feminism till date. My portrayal, however, is not necessarily feminist as I believe if you stand up against injustice or fight for your own rights, THIS IS YOUR RIGHT and does not necessarily make you a feminist.

Draupadi, however, was a woman who boldly acknowledged her sexuality. She was fearless and outspoken, dared to question the ordains of a patriarchal society. Her intelligence and knowledge of state affairs was considered no less than that of any man at that time. So yes, she deserved to be treated no less than any man in that era.