The concept of rasas (emotions) is an outstanding contribution of Indian culture to the world of art and literature.

India introduced this idea of Navarasa before the world and that made great influence on all most all forms of classical arts in Indian culture. Generally, the rasas are of nine types and they are collectively called Navarasa.

India introduced this idea of Navarasa before the world and that made great influence on all most all forms of classical arts in Indian culture. Generally, the rasas are of nine types and they are collectively called Navarasa.

Bharata Muni proposed Navarasa (nine emotions) in his treatise Natyasasthra. According to Natyashasthra, nine emotions arise in human beings as a response to the situations they are facing. Each rasa, according to Natyashasthra, has a presiding deity and a specific color.

These nine emotions are Shringara (Love), Bhaynaka (terror), Hasya (Laughter), Karuna (Kind-heartedness and compassion), Roudra (Anger), Veera (Courage), Bheebhatsya (Disgust), Adbutha (Surprise), and Shantha (Peace or Tranquility). Each of these nine emotions is the resultant of each Bhava, the gestures and facial expressions of the actors. Natyasasthra identifies each Rasa with the corresponding Bhava or mood. The Natyasastra vividly describe these bhavas to create each rasa.

In Natyasasthra, all these nine emotions have been connected with colors that signify all emotions or rasas. The Aura of a frightened person is black, and the aura of an angry person is red. The nine colors that signifies each emotions are Green (Shringara), White (Hasya), Grey (Karuna), Red (Roudra), Orange (Veera), Black (Bhayanaka), Blue (Bheebhatsya), Yellow (Adbutha) and White (Shantha).

Although Navarasa underpins the methods of acting in Indian cinema and theatre, for the first time in history, a movie has been made based on this theme, a unique element of Indian art and cultural heritage. Navarasa is the needle that sews the thread of the movie, DAM999, the first Hollywood film by mariners. Director Sohan Roy says the story of DAM999 through nine characters who are the embodiment of nine emotions or Navarasa. The nine characters in the movie are wearing the colors associated with their rasa in the movie. Not only the characters but also even the sea portrayed in this exceptional movie on mariner's life is said to have its nine emotions. Film Buffs are anxiously waiting for the release of the movie to see the brilliant craftwork of Sohan Roy in blending such a complex and exciting concept in an emotional thriller.