A popular Buddhist legend came alive in Amrapali Asks, a musical dance drama presented at Daga Nikunj, Ballygunge Circular Road, on the evening of November 18. In early Buddhist literature, Amrapali is mentioned as a beautiful young maiden who lived in the kingdom of Vaishali. She was asked by the king to be a nagarvadhu (royal courtesan) for six years. The performance traced the journey of Amrapali, who embraced this life reluctantly. She entertained men with music and dance but was unhappy with herself. True love found its way into her life but was shortlived. As she went along life’s journey, she was plagued with questions that filled her mind with conflicting emotions. Finally, she met Buddha, the enlightened one, and found Nirvana. She renounced her way of life, her wealth and dedicated her life to Buddhist ideals of service to the poor and destitute.
Narrated by Ashok Haralalka and woven with melodious songs by Kavita Jhunjhunwala, the performance was sprinkled with dances by Aindrilla Ghosh and set the mood for a thought-provoking yet entertaining journey.
Concept and script: Bharti Haralalka. Direction: Sahir Siddiqui.