Imitation & Imagination

The day began with a grounding exercise, followed by a unique reflection activity where participants shared insights from their heart, mind, and body. This led into a theoretical discussion where Surabhi Vasisht explained how these three elements—heart, mind, and body—must work in harmony for an artist to achieve true expressiveness. After a brief warm-up, the group engaged in an exercise that involved virtually drawing an infinity shape, encouraging each participant to exaggerate and expand their gestures. This session emphasized the balance and unity required for effective physical expression.

The next session, led by Shreedhar, focused on enhancing vocal strength. Participants recited selected passages as a group and progressed to verses from the Naradara Uttara chapter, completing Ramana Kalyana Gunagalu before concluding with a resonant mantra. These vocal exercises were designed to build resonance and clarity, essential for a commanding stage presence.

In the final session with Surabhi Vasisht, each team was assigned the task of imitating observed characters, focusing on maintaining the corresponding mindset. Through this exercise, Surabhi provided constructive feedback, helping participants refine their portrayals and understand the subtle nuances of character development. The session concluded with participants sharing feedback on Surabhi’s sessions, reflecting a positive and engaging experience. The mystery of the source text’s author—Acharyya Nandikeshwar—was finally revealed, along with the origins of the team names and their associated directors. The day ended with a thought-provoking question about the recipients of the Jnanpith Award, sparking curiosity for the next session.