Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Eyebrow! “Small things often make the biggest impact.”
In Indian classical dance and drama, the eyebrows—a minor limb or upāṅga—carry immense power to convey nuanced emotions. According to the Nāṭyaśāstra, eyebrow movements are classified into seven gestures (bhrū vidhis). These aren’t just movements—they mesmerize audiences and bring characters to life.
In this guide, we’ll break down the seven eyebrow gestures, their uses, and how to incorporate them effectively.
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The Seven Eyebrow Gestures
The Nāṭyaśāstra outlines seven distinct eyebrow movements, each serving unique expressive purposes. These movements are precise yet dynamic, helping performers to embody a wide range of emotions.
कार्यानुगतमस्यैव भ्रुवोः कर्म निबोधत ।
उत्क्षेपः पातनश्चैव भ्रुकुटी चतुरं भ्रुवोः ॥११९॥
kāryānugatamasyaiva bhruvoḥ karma nibodhata |
utkṣepaḥ pātanaścaiva bhrukuṭī caturaṃ bhruvoḥ ||119||
Meaning:
Understand the actions of the brows, performed with their purpose: Raising upwards, lowering downwards, and frowning dynamically.
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कुञ्चितं रेचितं चैव सहजं चेति सप्तधा ।
भ्रुवोरुन्नतिरुत्क्षेपः सममेकैकशोऽपि वा॥१२०॥
kuñcitaṃ recitaṃ caiva sahajaṃ ceti saptadhā |
bhruvorunnatirutkṣepaḥ samamekaikaśo’pi vā||120||
Meaning:
The elevation of the brows is seven-fold: curved, stretched, natural, raised symmetrically, or individually.
अथैषां सम्प्रवक्ष्यामि रसभावप्रयोजनम् ।
कोपे वितर्के हेलायां लीलादौ सहजे तथा ॥ १२४॥
athaiṣāṃ sampravakṣyāmi rasabhāvaprayojanam |
kope vitarke helāyāṃ līlādau sahaje tathā || 124||
Meaning:
Now, I shall explain the use of these expressions in sentiments and emotions—specifically in anger, deliberation, disdain, playful acts, and natural expressions.
1. Utkṣepa (Raising)
Utkṣepa involves raising the eyebrows, either together or individually.
Uses:
- Both eyebrows raised: Surprise, joy, violent anger.
- One eyebrow raised: Deliberation, curiosity, passion.
Practical Tip: Practice in front of a mirror. Try raising one eyebrow while deliberately holding the other in place – start with your right eyebrow lifting while keeping your left eyebrow neutral. Feel the muscle control required to create this isolated movement.
Then reverse the action: relax your right eyebrow while lifting your left. Notice how each asymmetrical position creates a distinct emotional quality – a raised right eyebrow might convey skepticism, while a raised left could suggest playful curiosity.
Pay attention to how the skin around your eyes responds, and how the entire side of your face subtly shifts with each movement. Use this gesture to emphasize pivotal moments in a scene—like a character discovering a shocking truth.
Example: Imagine portraying a king who hears unexpected news. Slowly raise both eyebrows to amplify the shock and command attention.
2. Pātana (Lowering)
Pātana is to lowering the eyebrows, either simultaneously or one at a time.
Uses:
- Envy, disgust, or a sly smile.
- Subtlety in expressing deep thought or hidden emotions.
Practical Tip: Combine Pātana with a slight tilt of the head for added depth. Lowering both eyebrows can make the character seem contemplative, while one eyebrow lowered conveys mischief.
Example: Enact a villain scheming in the shadows. Lower one eyebrow and pair it with a sly smirk to exude menace.
अनेनैव क्रमेणैव पातनं स्यादधोमुखम् ।
भ्रुवोर्मूलसमुत्क्षेपात् भ्रुकुटी परिकीर्तिता ॥ १२१॥
anenaiva krameṇaiva pātanaṃ syādadhomukham |
bhruvormūlasamutkṣepāt bhrukuṭī parikīrtitā || 121||
Meaning:
In the same manner, drooping (of the brows) downward is considered lowering. The upward contraction of the roots of the brows is known as भ्रुकुटी (frowning).
3. Bhrukuṭī (Knitting)
Bhrukuṭī involves raising the roots of the eyebrows, creating a furrowed expression.
Uses:
- Intense anger, confusion, or reaction to dazzling light.
- Deep focus or frustration in dramatic moments.
Practical Tip: This gesture pairs well with narrowed eyes. It’s perfect for portraying intensity, whether through rage or intellectual strain.
Example: While portraying a warrior in battle, knit your eyebrows to reflect concentration and resolve.
4. Catura (Clever)
Catura gestures are subtle, involving slight extensions or movements of the eyebrows in a playful or charming manner.
Uses:
- Love, flirtation, or awakening.
- Light-hearted, sportive scenarios.
Practical Tip: Combine Catura with soft eye movements to create an inviting allure. This is ideal for romantic or whimsical characters.
Example: While playing a character in love, gently move your eyebrows in a teasing rhythm, making the audience feel the character’s flirtatious energy.
चतुरं किऽचिदुच्छ्वासान्मधुरायतया भ्रुवोः ।
एकस्या उभयोर्वापि मृदुभङ्गस्तु कुञ्चितम् ॥ १२२॥
caturaṃ ki’ciducchvāsānmadhurāyatayā bhruvoḥ |
ekasyā ubhayorvāpi mṛdubhaṅgastu kuñcitam || 122||
Meaning:
Graceful and slight uplifting of the brows, with a gentle and elongated motion, either of one brow or both, is known as कुञ्चितम् (arched or curved).
5. Kuñcita (Contracted)
Kuñcita involves bending the eyebrows slightly, either one by one or together.
Uses:
- Pretended anger, affection, or hysteria.
- Transitions between emotional states.
Practical Tip: Kuñcita is subtle but impactful. Use it sparingly to highlight a character’s internal conflict or shifting emotions.
Example: While portraying a parent feigning anger at a child’s mischief, contract your eyebrows and let a warm smile emerge.
6. Recita (Moving)
Recita is the amorous raising of one eyebrow.
Uses:
- Exclusively used in dance to express romance or allure.
Practical Tip: Pair Recita with elegant head tilts and eye glances for maximum effect. It’s a gesture that thrives in rhythm and synchronization.
Example: During a dance sequence, lift one eyebrow slowly to charm your on-stage counterpart.
एकस्या एव ललितादुत्क्षेपाद्रेचितं भ्रुवः ।
सहजातं तु सहजं कर्म स्वाभाविकं स्मृतम् ॥ १२३॥
ekasyā eva lalitādutkṣepādrecitaṃ bhruvaḥ |
sahajātaṃ tu sahajaṃ karma svābhāvikaṃ smṛtam || 123||
Meaning:
When one eyebrow is gracefully raised, it is called रेचितम्. An action that appears innate or spontaneous is termed सहजम् (natural).
7. Sahaja (Natural)
Sahaja reflects the eyebrows’ natural position, untouched by deliberate movement.
Uses:
- Neutral expressions or states of simplicity.
Practical Tip: Maintain Sahaja during transitional scenes or when portraying innocence and calm.
Example: While playing a sage meditating in stillness, keep your eyebrows relaxed in their natural state to exude tranquility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In Kathak, eyebrow movements are subtle yet expressive, often used to enhance emotions in storytelling and abhinaya (expression). Movements like raising, lowering, or knitting the eyebrows add depth to the dancer’s portrayal of moods and sentiments.
Eyebrows are vital for non-verbal communication. They help convey emotions like surprise, anger, and joy, making them key to human expression.
In classical Indian dance, particularly as per the Nāṭyaśāstra, there are seven types of eyebrow movements: Utkṣepa (raising), Pātana (lowering), Bhrukuṭī (knitting), Catura (clever), Kuñcita (contracted), Recita (moving), and Sahaja (natural).
Eyebrow gestures are referred to as bhrū vidhis in the Nāṭyaśāstra, describing various ways to move the eyebrows for expressive storytelling.
In the Nāṭyaśāstra, eyebrows symbolize subtlety and precision in expression. They are minor limbs (upāṅgas) that convey complex emotions and enhance the sentiments (rasas) of a performance.
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Conclusion
Eyebrow gestures are subtle, but their power in performance is undeniable. From conveying flirtation with a single raised brow to knitting them in frustration, the Nāṭyaśāstra’s guidance on bhrū vidhis offers timeless techniques for storytelling.
Practice diligently, experiment with expressions, and integrate these gestures into your repertoire. Whether you’re enchanting an audience in a classical dance recital or commanding the stage in a theatrical performance, your eyebrows are your allies in creating unforgettable moments.
Let your expressions speak louder than words—after all, in the world of Nāṭya, every movement is poetry!
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