In a world where women are often celebrated for their quiet strength, endurance, and grace, this evocative Kathak dance drama offers a fresh perspective – one that embraces courage, voice, and choice as equally powerful virtues. 

‘Draupadi: Reimagined by Radhika Karandikar’ sheds new light on an age-old tale, casting Draupadi not as a passive figure caught in the tide of destiny, but as a woman who takes control of her narrative. Rooted in classical Kathak and shaped by a contemporary sensibility, it transforms a moment of public humiliation into a striking act of self-assertion. Here, Draupadi is not rescued – she rises. 

This powerful performance is conceived and choreographed by Radhika Ramesh Karandikar, under the artistic mentorship of Shyam Dattani. With atmospheric lighting, expressive music, and thoughtful costume design, the piece honours the elegance of the classical form while pushing its emotional and thematic boundaries through modern insights. 

Rather than simply reinterpreting mythology, this showcase invites audiences to reflect on the traits we continue to value in women – and whether resilience must always mean endurance. Through Draupadi’s defiance, the work opens space for a more expansive understanding of power – one that makes room for protest, autonomy, and redefinition.