Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Lip Gestures! The Natyashastra, the Bible of performing arts in India, offers an intricate tapestry of expressions, movements, and gestures.
Among its vast repertoire, the six gestures of the lips (uṣṭha) stand out as a subtle yet powerful tool to convey emotions.
What Are Lip Gestures (uṣṭha)?
In Natyashastra, the lips are carriers of meaning, mood, and nuance.
The six lip gestures,
- Vivartana (narrowing)
- Kampana (trembling)
- Visarga (spreading out)
- Vinigūhana (concealing)
- Sandaṣṭaka (biting)
- Samudgaka (contracting)—are meticulously detailed to give performers with a versatile toolkit.
Each gesture captures a specific emotion or intent, creating a bridge between the performer and the audience. These gestures can transform a performance, making it resonate with authenticity and depth.
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इत्योष्ठलक्षणं प्रोक्तं विनियोगं निबोधत ।
असूयावेदनावज्ञाभयादिषु विवर्तनम् ॥ १४५॥
ityoṣṭhalakṣaṇaṃ proktaṃ viniyogaṃ nibodhata |
asūyāvedanāvajñābhayādiṣu vivartanam || 145||
Meaning:
The characteristics of the lips have been explained. Now understand their application: twisting of the lips occurs in emotions like jealousy, pain, disrespect, fear, and others.
The Six Lip Gestures
1. Vivartana (Narrowing)
Vivartana involves narrowing the lips to convey subtlety. This gesture is often used to depict emotions like suspicion, disdain, or intrigue.
How to Practice:
- Slightly press your lips together, reducing their width.
- Maintain relaxed facial muscles to avoid looking tense.
- Pair this gesture with a slight tilt of the head or narrowed eyes for added effect.
Example in Performance:
Imagine portraying a character who doubts someone’s intentions. As the antagonist approaches, narrow your lips (Vivartana) while raising an eyebrow to convey skepticism without uttering a word.
Uses of Vivartana:
- Envy
- Pain
- Contempt
- Laziness and similar emotions
2. Kampana (Trembling)
Kampana reflects vulnerability or intense emotion. Trembling lips are synonymous with fear, nervousness, or even overwhelming joy.
How to Practice:
- Allow your lips to quiver naturally, either by mimicking a shiver or recalling an emotional memory.
- Keep the trembling subtle; exaggerated movements can be comical.
Example in Performance:
During a climactic moment where your character faces danger, let your lips tremble (Kampana) to show raw fear. This gesture, with widened eyes, can grip your audience.
Uses of Kampana:
- Pain
- Cold
- Fear
- Anger
- Japa (repetition of sacred chants) and similar situations
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3. Visarga (Spreading Out)
Visarga involves spreading the lips outward, often signaling openness or surprise. This gesture can also depict relief or acceptance.
How to Practice:
- Stretch your lips gently outward without baring your teeth.
- Ensure symmetry in the spread to maintain elegance.
Example in Performance:
Picture a scene where your character witnesses a loved one’s unexpected return. As emotions flood in, spread your lips (Visarga) in a soft, surprised smile to communicate heartfelt joy.
Uses of Visarga:
- Women’s amour
- Affected indifference
- Painting of lips
4. Vinigūhana (Concealing)
Vinigūhana is about drawing the lips inward, symbolizing secrecy, hesitation, or suppressed emotion.
How to Perform:
- Tuck your lips gently inward, as if holding back words.
- Combine this with downcast eyes for a contemplative look.
Example in Performance:
Imagine portraying a character holding onto a secret. By drawing your lips inward (Vinigūhana) and avoiding eye contact, you can silently convey the weight of hidden truths.
Uses of Vinigūhana:
- Making efforts
5. Sandaṣṭaka (Biting)
Biting the lips (Sandaṣṭaka) is an evocative gesture, often used to depict anger, frustration, or self-restraint.
How to Perform:
- Gently bite your lower lip with your upper teeth.
- Avoid pressing too hard to keep the gesture refined.
Example in Performance:
In a heated argument scene, bite your lip (Sandaṣṭaka) to show your character’s struggle to control their words. Pair this with clenched fists for dramatic intensity.
Uses of Sandaṣṭaka:
- Manifestation of anger
6. Samudgaka (Contracting)
Samudgaka involves moving the lips together, signifying contemplation, displeasure, or agreement.
How to Practice:
- Press your lips lightly together, creating a momentary pause in expression.
- Let your eyes and brows support the intended emotion.
Example in Performance:
While portraying a character weighing a tough decision, contract your lips (Samudgaka) and tilt your head slightly. This pause creates anticipation, drawing the audience into your internal conflict.
Uses of Samudgaka:
- Pity
- Kissing
- Greeting
सन्दष्टकं समुद्गं च षट् कर्माण्यधरस्य तु ।
विकूणितं विवर्तस्तु वेपनं कम्पनं स्मृतम् ॥ १४३॥
sandaṣṭakaṃ samudgaṃ ca ṣaṭ karmāṇyadharasya tu |
vikūṇitaṃ vivartastu vepanaṃ kampanaṃ smṛtam || 143||
Meaning:
The six actions of the lower lip are pressing together, protrusion, curling inward, twisting, trembling, and quivering.
As Always, Bring It All Together
- Practice in Front of a Mirror
- Understand Context
- Blend Gestures Seamlessly
- Incorporate Feedback
Why Lip Gestures Matter
Lip gestures seem minor, but they carry immense expressive weight. They’re the unsung heroes of non-verbal communication, capable of speaking volumes without a single word. From subtlety to intensity, mastering these six gestures can transform your artistry, making your performance unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Natyashastra, lip gestures (uṣṭha) convey nuanced emotions like anger, love, fear, and pity. These gestures enhance expressions in classical performances.
An attractive lip in performance is one that aligns with the character’s mood, such as soft, spread-out lips (Visarga) symbolizing affection or subtle indifference.
Lip movements communicate emotions and intentions. For example, trembling lips (Kampana) express fear, pain, or anger, while bitten lips (Sandaṣṭaka) signify suppressed rage.
Lip flutter refers to rapid, trembling movements, often resembling the Kampana gesture in Natyashastra, symbolizing intense emotions like fear or nervousness.
Lips reveal inner emotions. Concealed lips (Vinigūhana) show effort or concentration, while narrowed lips (Vivartana) might signal envy, pain, or contempt.
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Conclusion: Lip Gestures
The art of storytelling lies in the details. By embracing the six lip gestures of Natyashastra, you can bring depth, nuance, and authenticity to your performances.
Remember, every movement—no matter how small—is a brushstroke on the canvas of your narrative. So, practice diligently, perform passionately, and let your lips tell the story.
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At Natya-Shastra.in, our mission is to serve as a gateway to the illustrious world of the NāṭyaŚāstra. We offer insights, resources, and a platform to delve deeper into the nuances of Indian performing arts.
Also, we aim to bring forth the richness of this ancient text, shedding light on the profound wisdom it holds and its everlasting influence on various artistic traditions.
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NatyaShastra Glossary: Head over to the Natyashastra Glossary page to know the meaning behind Sanskrit terms used in the articles.
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Knowledge Source & References: Inspired by ancient Natyashastra scriptures, open to interpretation.
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