IPAC 2025: ĀRANYANI

“Dancer Parvathy as Āranyani — the ethereal goddess of the forest — beckons the protagonist (portrayed by Shijith) into a transformative exploration of self-discovery through man-beast conflicts and the greed for power. Malayalam poetry, Kabir’s couplets, Carnatic music and Rabindra sangeet along with sophisticated lighting design were used to embellish the theme.” – The Hindu, 1 Sep 2023

Āranyani, the ethereal goddess of the forest, sets the stage for a mesmerising bharatanatyam dance production centered on the profound theme of soul-searching. With her mystical aura and enchanting presence, she beckons the protagonist into a transformative exploration of self-discovery.

The plot unfolds as the seeker ventures into the depths of the forest, enchanted by the mystical hymn Hamsa soham ekam that echoes through the forest. In all her ineffable splendour, Āranyani becomes both guide and his muse. Her influence is omnipresent—she is the divine sculptor shaping his destiny, teaching him valuable lessons as he evolves.

ĀRANYANI is an emotional and intense dance-theatre presentation by Shijith Nambiar and Parvathy, wherein the innocent soul, in its quest for liberation, gets clouded by the lure of power. Through powerful imagery, it transforms—from the fluttering butterfly to the majestic elephant, from the powerful lion to the relentless woodpecker and finally, the swan to attain moksha Hamsa soham ekam.