What is "abhinaya"

n. (context dance English) Use of the face and hands, in an expressive manner, similar to the kathakali dance of India.(R:MW3 1976: page=3)

Abhinaya ( Sanskrit abhi- 'towards' + nii- 'leading/guide') is the art of expression in Indian aesthetics. More accurately it means "leading an audience towards" the experience (bhava) of a sentiment (rasa). The concept, derived from Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra, is used as an integral part of all Indian classical dance styles.

Abhinaya can be divided into four, according to the Natya Shastra.

Abhinaya is an Indian film actress and model. She is a differently-abled actress who is both hearing and speech impaired. She made her acting debut in Naadodigal (2009) and went on to reprise the role in its Telugu and Kannada remakes.