Prof Dr Alekhya Punjala shines as Dushala in Ravindra Bharati monologue
Prof Dr Alekhya Punjala, chairperson of Telangana Sangeet Natak Academy, performed a compelling Dushala monologue at Ravindra Bharati. Directed by Vinay Varma and written by Preetham Chakraborty, the performance explored Dushala’s oppression, loss, and struggles, drawing an audience of cultural luminaries
Published Date - 20 November 2025, 04:44 PM
Hyderabad: A Dushala Monologue by Prof Dr Alekhya Punjala, chairperson of Telangana Sangeet Natak Academy, under the joint auspices of Trishna Kuchipudi Dance Academy and Sutradhar Acting Training Institute, in collaboration with Department of Language and Culture of Telangana, was held at Ravindra Bharati.
Dr Alekhya Punjala, who gained recognition as a Kuchipudi dance teacher and experimented with different roles as a dancer, proved herself to be a good actress in the special role of Dushala.
The anguish of Dushala, as the younger sister of Kauravas, wife of Saindhav, mother of Suratha, and how Dushala was oppressed in Mahabharata, how she lost her life due to neglect, was presented in a new, thought-provoking way.
Written by Preetham Chakraborty, Vinay Varma’s directorial talent was evident in his portrayal of Dushala. Dancer Dr Mallika Sarabhai, former government advisor BV Paparao, and others were in the audience, with Vishali Singh’s commentary being a special attraction.