Mukerjea’s portrayal commanded every scene with magnetic presence.
Indrani Mukerjea
In a performance that lit up Mumbai’s Royal Opera House, Indrani Mukerjea’s Chitrangada - Ek Sashakt Nari was an unforgettable revelation. The latest production by Indrani Mukerjea Enterprise (IME) wasn’t just a retelling of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s iconic warrior princess; it was a fiery declaration of feminine power that left audiences spellbound.
Mukerjea’s portrayal commanded every scene with magnetic presence. She shifted seamlessly between Kurupa’s quiet strength and Surupa’s radiant allure, embodying Chitrangada’s complex journey with a clarity that made her the undeniable center of gravity on stage. Each movement felt purposeful, each gesture steeped in a sense of both fragility and ferocity - a performance that made Chitrangada feel not like a legend, but a living, breathing woman.
IME’s creative team elevated the production with striking visual storytelling. The direction and design brought Chitrangada’s internal battles to life, with bold set pieces, dynamic lighting, and modern choreography that connected Tagore’s timeless themes to contemporary audiences. The transitions between Chitrangada’s dual selves were handled with elegant precision, creating a powerful arc of transformation that kept the audience riveted from start to finish.
Behind Mukerjea’s mesmerizing performance was the visionary duo of Madhumita and Tony Chakraborty, whose direction and design gave Chitrangada - Ek Sashakt Naari its striking heartbeat. Their innovative approach balanced tradition with modernity, layering Tagore’s poetic essence with contemporary movement, vibrant visuals, and bold staging choices. Together, they crafted a production that felt both timeless and daringly fresh, anchoring Chitrangada’s story in a world that audiences could feel and believe.
Yet, if there was one surprise, it was the imbalance on stage. Despite the experience of dancer Sandip Soparrkar as Arjun, his performance often felt eclipsed by Mukerjea’s sheer force. While Arjun is meant to be a mirror for Chitrangada’s evolution, here he came across as secondary, his presence more ornamental than essential. Moments meant to convey a shared intimacy ended up reinforcing Mukerjea’s dominance - a testament to her riveting stagecraft, but also a stark contrast in performance weight.
The production, however, remained a triumph in almost every other respect. The choreography flowed with contemporary energy while staying rooted in classical grace, the costumes underscored Chitrangada’s shifting identities, and the music carried emotional undercurrents that kept the atmosphere electric. The creative vision behind the show was clear: to reframe an old tale in a way that felt urgently relevant, a goal IME achieved with boldness and style.
Adding a spark of glamour and wit to the evening was the effervescent Maninee De, who anchored the show with charm, humor, and an infectious energy that kept the audience engaged between the stirring performances.
The audience’s rapturous applause said it all - Chitrangada - Ek Sashakt Naari didn’t just revisit a myth; it redefined it for today, giving Mumbaikars a Chitrangada who wasn’t content to simply fight - she demanded to be seen, heard, and remembered.
With this production, Indrani Mukerjea proved herself not just as an actor but as a cultural force capable of reshaping narratives. And in a story of love, identity, and strength, it was fitting that the woman at the center refused to fade - even when the spotlight tried to shift elsewhere.
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