Nov 10 2025 to Nov 10 2025 7 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

Tat-Tvam Asi is a meditative dance production that explores the essence of surrender as a path to self-realisation, through the lives of Andal, Radha, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu—each a yogi in their own right. Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna says, “As all surrender unto Me, I reward them accordingly, ” this work reflects the multiple ways one can find the divine: through devotion, knowledge, or selfless action. The production unfolds as a series of  vignettes—Andal’s karmic service, Radha’s longing rooted in bhakti, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s ecstatic sankeertana—interwoven with Krishna ’s own voice as the sutradhar (narrator). From the chariot of Jagannatha in Puri to the quiet sanctum of a temple, the narrative reveals the beauty of total surrender, dissolving the ego in divine love. Blending classical dance traditions such as Bharatnatyam and Gaudiya Nritya with original music and poetic texts, Tat-Tvam Asi is a journey into Krishna Tattvam—the omnipresence of the divine within and around us.

The depth of this timeless message and wisdom (familiar to many Vedantic scholars and Indians) was explored by Neha through the many coloured hues of devotion (bhakti) found in ancient lores and cultures. Neha chose the beloved pastoral God Krishna as the focus of bhakti of the devotee. Neha’s approach to Tat Tvam Asi is episodic. Fragments from Andal, Radha and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu were revisited and evoked with compelling conviction through her intense abhinaya. Neha Mondal has conceptualized Tat-Tvam Asi after years of deep reflection on the nature of devotion and surrender. Her creative process involved studying scriptures, poetry, and the lives of Andal, Radha, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to understand their spiritual journeys. She collaborated closely with scholars, musicians, and writers to shape a narrative that is both intimate and universal. As a dancer rooted in tradition yet open to exploration, Neha wove together movement, music, and storytelling to evoke the transformative power of bhakti. This production is a culmination of her artistic introspection and spiritual inquiry, brought to life through dance.

Credits

Concept & Choreography: Neha Mondal

Script: Smt. Priya Krishnadas
Lyrics: Dr. C.K. Jayanthi
Music: Shri Balakrishnan Karippalil
Compilation & Recording: Biju James
Costumes: Sandhya Raman
Vocals : Binu V Nair / Vasudha Gopal
Script & Research : Smt. Priya Krishnadas
Sankirtana composition : Mrs. Mahua Mukherjee
Nattuvangam : Shri Balakrishnan Karippalil
Violin – Easwar Ramakrishnan
Percussions : Vedakrishnan / Sruthi Raj
Flute : Sruthi Sagar
Veenai : Anjani

Supported by:

Performer

Neha Mondal
Bharatnatyam
Neha Mondal is a Bharatanatyam practitioner known for her distinct aesthetic sensibility and nuanced approach to both performance and pedagogy. Her work draws deeply from cultural memory and personal history while remaining firmly rooted in the discipline and philosophy of the classical tradition.

Initiated into Bharatanatyam at a young age, Neha received her first media review at 13. Her formative years at Kalakshetra (2000–2006) and her tenure with its Repertory Company under the guidance of the legendary Leela Samson shaped her into a reflective and understated performer. She holds a postgraduate degree in Bharatanatyam, which she completed with first-class distinction, reflecting her academic rigor and commitment to the art form.

Empanelled as an “A” grade artist with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 2007, Neha went on to teach full-time at reputed international schools in New Delhi from 2008 to 2013. Her pedagogical approach integrates breath awareness, body conditioning, and storytelling—drawing from her intensive training in jazz and contemporary dance. She is a recipient of both junior and senior scholarships from NCERT and the Ministry of Culture.

In 2014, Neha moved to Kuala Lumpur, where her choreographic voice found new expression. Her solo dance-theatre work The Unheard Plea premiered in New York to critical acclaim and was featured in The New York Times. She continued to perform and teach across Southeast Asia, the UK, Europe, and the U.S., while mentoring dedicated students through Swara Community Arts Centre, which she founded in Kuala Lumpur.

Now based in Singapore, Neha is invested in building a practice that foregrounds process, connects deeply with cultural narratives, and engages meaningfully with the contemporary moment. She actively seeks cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaborations that challenge and expand the expressive vocabulary of Bharatanatyam. As both performer and teacher, she remains a seeker—finding the divine in movement, and meaning in every gesture.