Jan 03 2026 to Jan 03 2026 6:30 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

How far would you go for love?

In this session author Madhavi Mahadevan and Lakshmi Sankar explore elopement; an act often romanticized but rooted in complex societal conflict. Joining the discussion are speakers from varied backgrounds: a classical dancer who interprets myths through movement, a storyteller who uncovers mythology in India’s living traditions and a legal expert who grounds these narratives in present-day realities.

The conversation will trace how mythology shapes our understanding of love and rebellion. From classic texts to contemporary cinema, from mainstream retellings to folk traditions, whose voices get prioritized? How do different modes of storytelling influence what we consider acceptable defiance? And did earlier societies view elopement as a legitimate response when love collided with social expectations, or has our romanticization of it obscured more complex truths?

An evening that moves between myth and modernity, romance and reality.

Speakers

Madhavi Mahadevan
Writer
Madhavi Mahadevan is a writer of fiction and mythological retellings whose work examines the inner lives of mythological women through a contemporary lens. She is the author of three novels: The Kaunteyas, The Forgotten Wife and Bride of the Forest, which won the Special Jury Award for Best Book (Fiction) at the Times of India AutHER Awards. Through her writing, Mahadevan brings fresh perspectives to ancient narratives, exploring themes of agency, desire and rebellion in characters often relegated to the margins of traditional texts.

Aparna Jaishankar
Storyteller
Aparna Jaishankar is a performance storyteller, educator and corporate trainer whose work bridges history, mythology and contemporary learning. Fascinated by Indic mythology, particularly the Mahabharata, she deepens her craft through field research and studies in history, architecture and living traditions. Her performances Weaving a Story and Divine Delicacies explore how mythology becomes tactile, contemporary heritage, inviting audiences to taste, touch and experience stories beyond words. Jaishankar uncovers how myths echo through India’s songs, theatre, dance, textiles and rituals. She has performed at prestigious festivals including Bengaluru Storytelling Festival, Bangalore Literature Festival, Katha Karnival and Natarani’s Kathaastu.

Janani Murali
Performer
Janani Murali is a performer, researcher, educator and writer based in Bangalore who uses Bharatanatyam to access and address socio-cultural complexities. She trained under her mother, Guru Smt. Padma Murali, and serves as Associate Artistic Director of Padmalaya Dance Foundation and Executive Member of the International Dance Alliance, Bangalore Chapter. An A Grade artist of Doordarshan Kendra and empanelled artist of ICCR, Murali traverses traditional and contemporary formats of performance and dance education. Her work has earned titles including Nalanda Nrutya Nipuna, Padmavati Puraskar and Narthana Shironmani. Her work and research into “Creative Processes” under the UNBOXED series aims at using performing arts to add value in interdisciplinary environments. Murali is also a biologist with corporate experience in the pharmaceutical industry. She continues to publish clinical and medical research and holds leadership roles at Young Indians.

Lakshmi Sankar
Co-Founder, Atta Galatta
Lakshmi is the co-founder of AttaGalatta and the Bengaluru Poetry Festival. She is a mother to one human and a dog.