What is bhamakalapam?

Bhamakalapam

Bhamakalapam is a Kuchipudi dance drama that explores the story of Satyabhama, the proud and jealous wife of Lord Krishna. It is considered a classic of Kuchipudi repertoire. The play revolves around Satyabhama's vanity, her arguments with Krishna, and her eventual realization of her insignificance without him.

The key themes explored include:

• Pride: Satyabhama's excessive pride and ego are central to the narrative.
• Jealousy: Her jealousy towards Krishna's other wives fuels the conflict.
• Love: Despite the arguments, the underlying theme is the love between Satyabhama and Krishna.
• Devotion: The play ultimately highlights the importance of devotion and humility.

Traditionally, Bhamakalapam is performed by male dancers who also take on the female roles. The main character, Satyabhama, is a demanding role requiring great skill in both dance and abhinaya (expressive acting). The performance is often accompanied by music and dialogue in Telugu. It is believed that Siddhendra Yogi composed it.