Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
This interpretation of the Bindumalini Thillana pairs complex rhythmic footwork with expressive storytelling, bringing to life vibrant joy and Andal’s pleas for life-giving rains. Through graceful abhinaya, Andal’s deep devotion to Lord Krishna is tenderly portrayed as she lovingly prepares flowers for him.
Andal, one of the twelve Alvar poet-saints of South India, is remembered for devotional poetry expressing her profound love for Lord Krishna. Her verses call upon the divine for rain, abundance, and spiritual fulfillment. As presented through the dancer's storytelling, Andal's devotion is represented through flowers and garlands, which became enduring symbols of her intimate relationship with the divine.
Set to the lively and intricate rhythms of the Bindumalini Thillana, the choreography balances precision, musicality, and expressive movement. Each section draws from Bharatanatyam, weaving rhythmic adavus with abhinaya to move between pure dance and narrative expression. The contrast between vigorous footwork and delicate storytelling allows the piece to convey both the celebratory energy of a thillana and the devotional themes at its heart.
Through this production, we hope to honor the beauty of Bharatanatyam while presenting Andal’s devotion through our own artistic interpretation.
Performed by Reshma Jeyakumar and Mrethi Magesh in a remote collaboration.
Music from IndianRaga Fellowship Production performed by Sindhuja Bhakthavatsalam , Kamaladeepthi Vempati, Shravan Kumar Ramani, Geetesh Iyer, Agastya Sridharan, Kavitha Jayaraman, Ashwin Seshadri and Nagaari.
Watch the music video at youtu.be/s3RiiYWGRl8
Social Media Links
Reshma Jeyakumar
instagram.com/anuresh.dance
Mrethi Magesh
instagram.com/mrethi_m
To feature in an IndianRaga production, apply to be an IndianRaga Fellow at indianraga.com/fellowship
IndianRaga brings together the best musicians and dancers across 60 international cities to collaborate on high quality music videos viewed by millions of people globally. The genres we work with are rooted in Indian classical performing arts and include Carnatic music (South Indian classical music), Hindustani music (North Indian classical music), semi-classical music, contemporary and fusion music, Indian classical dances including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, and also ballet, tap, contemporary dance. Our productions also include a wide range of instruments including mridangam, tabla, sitar, violin, flute/bansuri, veena, ghatam, and new-age categories like music arrangement and production with EDM, Trap, Pop amongst others. Our most popular innovations include classical cover songs, a cappella, mashups and remixes of the latest viral pop hits in both western and Indian music. Anyone can apply to join our collaborations, and you can visit indianraga.com for more details and application process. #indianraga
This interpretation of the Bindumalini Thillana pairs complex rhythmic footwork with expressive storytelling, bringing to life vibrant joy and Andal’s pleas for life-giving rains. Through graceful abhinaya, Andal’s deep devotion to Lord Krishna is tenderly portrayed as she lovingly prepares flowers for him.
Andal, one of the twelve Alvar poet-saints of South India, is remembered for devotional poetry expressing her profound love for Lord Krishna. Her verses call upon the divine for rain, abundance, and spiritual fulfillment. As presented through the dancer's storytelling, Andal's devotion is represented through flowers and garlands, which became enduring symbols of her intimate relationship with the divine.
Set to the lively and intricate rhythms of the Bindumalini Thillana, the choreography balances precision, musicality, and expressive movement. Each section draws from Bharatanatyam, weaving rhythmic adavus with abhinaya to move between pure dance and narrative expression. The contrast between vigorous footwork and delicate storytelling allows the piece to convey both the celebratory energy of a thillana and the devotional themes at its heart.
Through this production, we hope to honor the beauty of Bharatanatyam while presenting Andal’s devotion through our own artistic interpretation.
Performed by Reshma Jeyakumar and Mrethi Magesh in a remote collaboration.
Music from IndianRaga Fellowship Production performed by Sindhuja Bhakthavatsalam , Kamaladeepthi Vempati, Shravan Kumar Ramani, Geetesh Iyer, Agastya Sridharan, Kavitha Jayaraman, Ashwin Seshadri and Nagaari.
Watch the music video at youtu.be/s3RiiYWGRl8
Social Media Links
Reshma Jeyakumar
instagram.com/anuresh.dance
Mrethi Magesh
instagram.com/mrethi_m
To feature in an IndianRaga production, apply to be an IndianRaga Fellow at indianraga.com/fellowship
IndianRaga brings together the best musicians and dancers across 60 international cities to collaborate on high quality music videos viewed by millions of people globally. The genres we work with are rooted in Indian classical performing arts and include Carnatic music (South Indian classical music), Hindustani music (North Indian classical music), semi-classical music, contemporary and fusion music, Indian classical dances including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak, and also ballet, tap, contemporary dance. Our productions also include a wide range of instruments including mridangam, tabla, sitar, violin, flute/bansuri, veena, ghatam, and new-age categories like music arrangement and production with EDM, Trap, Pop amongst others. Our most popular innovations include classical cover songs, a cappella, mashups and remixes of the latest viral pop hits in both western and Indian music. Anyone can apply to join our collaborations, and you can visit indianraga.com for more details and application process. #indianraga
