SHAKUNTALA

Host: "Welcome, dear listeners, to another captivating episode of our radio drama. Today, we delve
into the enchanting world of ancient Indian folklore to explore the timeless legend of 'Shakuntala',
written by Kalidasa. Gather around as we unravel the story of love, loss, and destiny."
[Fairytale]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "Long, long time ago. In the annals of ancient Indian mythology, there live a
sage named Vishwamitra. He was a highly god fearing and determined person.

[Soft Sound Effects of Nature]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "Born as a king, Vishwamitra relinquished his earthly throne in search of

spiritual enlightenment, embarking on a journey fraught with trials and tribulations. In
years of meditation, he started obtaining miraculous power.”

[Fairytale ]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: “Even lord Indra began to get worried that king Vishwamitra might be a threat
to him. So Indra decided to make Vishwamitra give up his meditation. He did not want to
face Vishwamitra directly, knowing he will be curse. He decided to seek help from a
beautiful palace dancer, Menaka.”

[Nature + Water]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Menaka was sent by the King Indraa to distract the sage Vishwamitra from
his rigorous penance, a task that would test her wits and her heart."

𝙇𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙖: "Flee from my palace, Menaka. Go to earth and use your music and skills
to catch Vishwamitra’s attention."

𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙖: "My lord, please don’t make me do this. Vishwamitra is a holy person. It will
be sinful to distract him."

𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙖: “Menaka, don’t give me excuses. Just follow my command!”

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Menaka did not argue any further

[Nature2]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Menaka reached the forest where the sage Vishwamitra was performing his
meditation, and started dancing in front of him.

[Dance]
𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "With her enchanting presence in dancing, Menaka succeeded in captivating
Vishwamitra's attention, drawing him away from his austere practices and into the realm
of earthly desires."

[Romantic]

[Suspense]
𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "However, their fleeting romance bore unexpected consequences, as
Vishwamitra found himself wasting his meditation."

𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙧𝙖: "Tell me the truth! Who are you?"

𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙖: "Oh revered Vishwamitra, I am Menaka, the celestial dancer sent by the lord
Indraa to grace your presence. My beauty pales in comparison to your wisdom, yet I am
drawn to your aura like a moth to the flame."

𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙧𝙖: "Begone, celestial maiden! Your temptations hold no power over me, for
I am steadfast in my pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. I shall not stray from the path
ordained by destiny."

𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙖: "Vishwamitra, do not cast me aside so easily. Our union was not mere folly; it
was ordained by the gods themselves."

𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙧𝙖: "The gods have no place in my pursuit of truth. Leave, before I am

tempted to curse you for your treachery."

𝙈𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙠𝙖: "You would curse me, Vishwamitra? Curse the mother of your child? Do you
not feel the weight of your actions, the consequences of your betrayal?"

𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙬𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙧𝙖: "The consequences are mine to bear, as are the burdens of my choices.
Leave now, Menaka, and do not return. Our paths diverge here, and I will not be
swayed from my course."

[Sound Effect of Distant Thunder]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "As Menaka returns to the palace, her steps are burdened with the weight of
Vishwamitra's rejection. Despite her efforts to maintain her poise, she can feel the
judgmental gaze her lord Indraa as he awaits her in the grand hall."

𝙇𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙖: "Menaka, your presence in this palace has brought naught but turmoil and
unrest. Your actions have disrupted the harmony of my kingdom, and I can no longer
abide by your presence within these walls. Leave now, and do not return."

[Sound Effect of Dramatic Music]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "As Menaka's heart sinks with the weight of the king's words, she bows her
head in silent acceptance of her fate."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "In the wake of their union, Menaka gave birth to a daughter, Shakuntala,
whose destiny would intertwine with that of kings and sages, shaping the course of
history."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "With a heavy heart, Menaka entrusted her daughter into the arms of the
sage Kanva, his wise eyes filled with compassion as he welcomed the child into his
care."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "Menaka bid farewell to her beloved daughter as she went back to seek
forgiveness at lord Indra's palace."

[Fairytale]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "As the years passed, the once-infant daughter of Menaka grew into a
maiden of exquisite beauty and boundless grace, her heart attuned to the rhythms of
the natural world."

[Sound Effects of Nature]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "Amidst the verdant groves of the forest, Shakuntala found solace in the
embrace of the wilderness, her spirit soaring with the birds and dancing with the wind.
Every flower, every tree, held a story waiting to be discovered, and she reveled in the
beauty of it all."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "One day, as the sun cast its golden rays upon the verdant landscape, King
Dushyanta ventured into the forest in pursuit of game. Dushyanta's eyes fell upon a
majestic deer, its grace and elegance captivating his gaze. Determined to claim his
prize, he followed and immediately shot the deer."
[Arrow]
[Sound Effect of Rustling Leaves]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "As he ventured further into the forest, Dushyanta stumbled upon the sacred
ashram where Shakuntala resided, her ethereal beauty illuminating the tranquil
surroundings like a beacon of light."

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: "Forgive my intrusion, beautiful princess."

[Tender]
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: "I am not a Princess, I live in this ashram and take care of all the
creatures here. My name is Shakuntala, Who are you, hunter?"

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: "I am not a hunter fair maiden, for I am the king of this kingdom. I came on
a hunting expedition, and I just stumbled upon this sacred place."
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: "Welcome, noble king, to our humble abode. May the tranquility of the
forest bring peace to your heart."

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: "I am humbled by your words Shakuntala. May I seek refuge in this sacred
place and partake of your wisdom? And possibly, to cure your pet deer?"

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: "Certainly your highness."

[Romantic]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "King Dushyanta, drawn to the ashram by the beauty of Shakuntala, finds
himself ensnared by her charm and grace."

[Background Music Transitions]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "One day, as the sun bathes the forest in its golden light, King Dushyanta
comes upon Shakuntala's injured deer, its gentle eyes pleading for aid. With
compassion in his heart, the king resolves to stay in the ashram and tend to the
wounded creature, unaware that his actions would lead to a deeper connection with the
maiden who captured his heart."

[Romantic]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "In the days that follow, Dushyanta finds himself drawn to Shakuntala, her
presence like a soothing balm to his troubled soul. As he tends to the deer, their bond
grows stronger, and he realizes that his feelings for her go beyond mere admiration."

[Tender]

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: "Shakuntala, fair maiden of the forest, your beauty and kindness have
captured my heart. Will you do me the honor of becoming my queen?"

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: "Noble king, your words humble me. But I am but a simple maiden,
unworthy of such a grand proposal."

[Music Transitions to Reflect Tenderness]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "With determination in his heart, Dushyanta seeks the blessing of the sage
who presides over the ashram, seeking permission to wed Shakuntala and unite their
destinies."

[Sound Effect of Approaching Footsteps]

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: "O venerable sage, I come before you to seek your blessing. I have found
in Shakuntala a love that knows no bounds, and I wish to make her my queen. Will you
grant us your blessing?"
𝙎𝙖𝙜𝙚: "King Dushyanta, your love for Shakuntala is pure and true. May the gods smile
upon your union, and may your bond be blessed with happiness and prosperity."

[Music Fades into Joyful Melody]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: "With the sage's blessing, Dushyanta and Shakuntala exchange vows of love
and devotion, surrounded by the elders of the ashram who offer their heartfelt
congratulations and blessings."

[Soft Sound Effects of Celebration]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: One day...

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: Why do you look so sad my lord?

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: Shakuntala, I have received news from my kingdom, that things are not all
right there. I have to go back immediately.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: I am going to be a mother. I will also come along with you

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: I cannot take you like this to the Kingdom. I have to make all the
arrangements there, and then come and take you into the kingdom so that you can be
received in the traditional manner befitting a queen.
[Dramatic]
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: My lord, I am really scared to be alone at times like this. I don't know
when you will come back.

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: Shakuntala, you must trust me. I don't want to leave you now but it is my
duty as king. I will give you my ring keep it as a token of my affection.

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Dushyanta presented Shakuntala with a ring and left the ashram.

(Sad music)

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Days turned into months and still Dushyanta did not return. Shakuntala was
deeply worried. She could not do any of her duties properly. She was thinking about
Dushyanta all the time, and she forgot all her responsibilities.
[Nature2+water]
One day, a sage by the name of dorvasa came to the Ashram. Shakuntala was so busy
with her thoughts that she did not notice the Sage. He stood there for some time, but
not even a slight glance was found. She was in depth of thoughts, thinking of
Dushyanta. Because of this, the Sage grew angry.
[Suspense]
𝘿𝙤𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙖: "Shakuntala! I have been waiting here for some time, and you haven't even
welcomed me properly!" The Sage angrily said.
𝘿𝙤𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙖:"If this is how you treat your elders, then that person you have been dreaming
about will certainly forget you!". Because of the sudden burst of anger, Shakuntala
found her senses. She could not bear the harshness of the curse.

[Stop the car]

𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙩: "My Lord, forgive her. Shakuntala is deeply disturbed. Her husband is not
here, and she is expecting a child. Please, give a remedy for this curse" The servant
said.

𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙨𝙖: "All right. If Shakuntala shows her husband any article that he has given her,
he will remember everything" the sage replied.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: "Thank you my Lord"

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Shakuntala thanked.

[Fairytale]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: As the flowers grew, Shakuntala kept waiting for Dushyanta. And so, she
decided to visit him in his palace. She took her belongings and left Ashram. On the way,
the woman had to travel by boat to reach the Kingdom. Shakuntala was baffled with the
clear and colorful water, with that, she dipped her hands in the flow, playing with the
water. Completely deep in her thoughts, she forgot that the ring Dushyanta gave her
was still on her finger. The ring slowly fell off, leaving Shakuntala's presence. After a
while, the arrived in Asham. However, Shakuntala was not aware of the hardships of the
outside world. Finally, Shakuntala reached Dushyanta's palace. The woman was
expecting a warm welcome.

[Dramatic]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: As Shakuntala got a glimpse of Dushyanta, she forgot all about her
sufferings, leaving her in tears.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖:: "My Lord, why didn't you come visit me? I cannot bear this pain of
separation any longer. We are having this child next month, I'm tired..."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧:Dushyanta kept quiet, a dull and confused expression on his face.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖:: "Why are you not talking? Are you angry with me my Lord?"

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Because of the Sage's curse, Dushyanta has completely forgotten what had
happened, not even recognizing Shakuntala.
𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: "Oh, you poor lady, you must be mistaken. You have gone to the wrong
person. I do not know you at all. Because you are carrying a child, you should rest here
for a while."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Dushyanta requested. Hearing this, the woman fainted. Luckily, the guards
caught her. Eventually, Shakuntala found her consciousness.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: "My Lord, what are you saying?"

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Shakuntala worriedly replied.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: "I am your wife, and you are my husband. You married me in the forest we
call our own, you accepted me as yours. You told me that you would take me to our
Kingdom."

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: "Young lady, I do not know you at all. I am King, please do not come here
and embarrass me. I will give you money, and you will go back home."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Dushyanta replied.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖:"I do not want your mone, I just don't know what to do now."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Suddenly, Shakuntala remembered the ring that Dushyanta gave her. When
the woman checked her fingers, she had realized it has been lost. Because if this,
Shakuntala's eyes were drowning in sorrow.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: "My Lord, you gave me a ring, but it has now disappeared, please help me
find it!"

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Shakuntala begged.

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: "Who are you trying to fool? Get out of this palace now!"

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: The King ordered. Not trying once more, Shakuntala left and did not think of
going back to this hateful place again.
With promises of eternal love, Dushyanta and Shakuntala exchanged vows in a secret
ceremony witnessed only by the gods and the denizens of the forest.

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Heartbroken and disillusioned, she gave birth to a son, whom she named
Bharata, meaning "the cherished one."

[Fairytail]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Years passed, and Bharata grew and shakuntala became a responsible
mother. Everyday she would go to the forest and collect fruits for his son
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖:: "My dear Bharata, you are the symbol of all that is good and just in this
world. May you always shine bright, my son."

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Hastinapura, King Dushyanta found himself

haunted by the memories of a beautiful maiden he once loved.

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: "Why do I feel a sense of loss in my heart? Could there be someone I have
forgotten, someone dear to me?"

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: One day

[Nature + Water]

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖:: Bharata, your still small. Play only inside the house. Do not go in the
forest alone, it is filled with wild animal

𝘽𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖: I am not scared of wild animals mother. I play with the cubs of the lions and
tigers, they are my friends they don’t harm me.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: my dear bharata, i don’t have anyone other than you, if something
happens to you I don’t know what will i do.

𝘽𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖: mother all the animals have a father and a mother. I don’t have a father,
where is he?

[Dramatic]

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖 was highly disturbed when she heard this, she knew this day would come
that Bharata would as for his father.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖: My dear child, your father is king dushyanta he lives in the city.

𝘽𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖: Why are we here? We should go to the city and stay with him.

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Somehow shakuntala convinced her son and sent him to play. She was
deeply disturbed by her son eagerness to meet his father.

[Stop the car]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: One day, a fisher man caught a fish and began cutting it. Suddenly he saw a
ring in the stomach of the fish with the king’s emblem on it. He quickly handed it over to
king dushyanta, as soon as king dushyanta saw the ring he remembered everything. He
rushed into the forest to look for his lover.

[Dramatic]
𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: shakuntala! Shakuntala!where are you?!

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: As he goes into the forest he stumbled into the villagers.

𝙑𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨: great king, shakuntala came in search of you when she was carrying your
child but you did not recognize her because of the curse of sage agasthya

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: My God! What have i done!?

[Sad Music]

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧:As months passed king dushyanta went back to his kingdom and lost interest
on it.

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧:Upon the advise of his ministers kung dushyanta went on a hunting

expedition to a forest. Suddenly he saw a small boy, dushyanta was shocked.

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: young and brave wariot what are you doing?

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Dushyanta was completely taken back with the boldness of the boy.

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: you dont look like a forest boy, you look like a prince. Are you staying in the
forest?

𝘽𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖: my name is bharata and i stay in this forest. I stay with my mother whom I live
very much, she takes care of me very well.

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: who is your father?

𝘽𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖: my father is king dushyanta.

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Dushyanta’s joy knew no bounds. He hugged and kissed bharata

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: My child I am your father kung dushyanta.

𝘽𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙖: mother! Father has come! Come fast!

𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Shakuntala could not believe her eyes! She became speechless and tears
started rolling down ger cheeks. She ran and fell at dushyantas feet.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙖:: I knew that one day you would come to take us.

𝘿𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖: shakuntala i will put an end to your suffering at this moment. Come let us
leave this place.

[Cheerful]
𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧: Shakuntala along with bharata left for the kingdom with king dushyanta, the
entire country rejoiced seeing the happy king and his lovely family. The family came
together in a joyous reunion and the brave boy bharata grew up to became a powerful
king, whose name and frame spread far and wide. He was the bravest of all kings. India
was called bharath or bharathavarsha after him.

The end

Host: "Dear listeners, as we conclude our broadcast today, let the story of Shakuntala remind us of
the undying essence of love and the eternal dance of destiny. Until next time, may your hearts be
filled with the warmth of love and the wisdom of timeless tales."

Host: "This is the group one, signing off from our enchanted realm of stories. Tune in again for
another enchanting journey through legends and lore."