Vijayalakshmi, a globally celebrated Mohiniyattam dancer and choreographer, brings her artistry to the stage with a performance showcasing both traditional and innovative works. As the daughter and disciple of the iconic Bharati Shivaji, she pushes the boundaries of this South Indian Classical dance form by integrating diverse cultural influences and exploring themes relevant to contemporary audiences. 

 This performance includes select items, each with a unique narrative. The evening opens with ‘Ashtapadi’, a piece from Jayadeva’s ‘Gita Govindam’, blending classical dance with the ancient Kerala music style, Sopana Sangeetam. Next, ‘Ramcharitmanas’ offers a fresh choreography in Mohiniyattam, based on Tulsidas's Ramayana, capturing Rama and Sita's first encounter. 

 The repertoire also features ‘RAIN’, inspired by Sudeep Sen's poetry, with a fusion of global musical elements, including Rabindra Sangeet and Dhrupad, arranged by Emmy-winning composer Mac Quayle. Finally, ‘Beyond Grace’, a segment from a documentary on her and her mother, celebrates Shiva with choreography that merges the fluidity of Mohiniyattam with Kerala’s martial art, Kalaripayattu. 

Directed by Mangesh Satpute, the evening offers a deep dive into Mohiniyattam’s expressive power and celebrates its connection to femininity and strength in modern contexts.