Being a Mumbaikar, it is a routine thing to watch plays in the theatre – be it Prithvi or the NCPA. Not just the common people, even celebrities mark their presence. However, the premiere run of a show rarely attracts the Kapoor family, the Ambanis, and other influential personalities of the city to come together.
And when such an audience comes up and then gives a standing ovation for an unusual duration of 10 long minutes, news spreads across channels & trends across social media platforms, then definitely something extraordinary has happened!
So, by now you must be wondering what it is that could garner so much praise and attention? What must have been the plot and how could it become the talk of the town? The answer to this was Mughal – e – Azam, the Musical. Really? The typical love story of Salim – Anarkali has become a hot topic? I thought maybe the older generation would’ve liked it because it was probably one of the greatest films of that time. But, then on Twitter, I even saw the millennials writing about how the show left them mesmerized.
The only thing I knew about Mughal - E - Azam was Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya. Also, I had never thought that a film could be brought onto the stage and one old school thought could become so engaging! So, I decided to dig in further, look at what it is all about, who have worked on it and what made it so successful.
Described as a Broadway styled musical extravaganza, best talent from India & internationally acclaimed artists have put in 10 months of their lives to recreate the magic spun. The things which attracted me the most were 30 kathak dancers who would be present on the stage together & the costumes being done by the Ace Designer Manish Malhotra. So, I dragged along my bestie & decided to go and witness the grandeur.
Upon entering the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, I quickly grabbed a coffee and sat down. When I looked around, I felt an air of aristocracy, intellect & wisdom. It felt as if I have stepped into a different zone altogether. The people present there were excited, delirious yet nervous to see how the evening turns out to be!
3 hours later...
I & my friend stared at each other. We couldn't believe what we had just witnessed. A mixed feeling of joy, pain, happiness ran through us. My friend was shivering with emotions. That uncomforting yet comforting silence was something that went beyond explanations.
Splendid direction, stellar star cast, exceptional choreography, majestic sets, alluring lighting, opulent costumes were the elements that made the show an audiovisual - aesthetic delight.
The cherry on the top of the cake was that the artists sing, dance and act simultaneously. The execution was impeccable and left the audiences spellbound. The essence of original music has been kept intact. Lyrics are soul-stirring which communicate the inner dialogues of the characters. Kathak has been kept alive, the art form hasn’t been deconstructed but has been placed with a modern sensibility.
The choreography is fresh, intuitive and energizing. Each one communicates a message which becomes a turning point in the plot. If we talk about the designs and the costumes, I see a lot of purity and honesty in the work. The theatrical is in Hindustani Classical Language but international audiences can also enjoy as subtitles are displayed on the screens.
All in all, this magnum opus has a lot of sincerity and truthfulness into it. It is a fruit of labour, hard work & passion. How much ever the plot, the name, the songs sound old, the presentation of the same is done in a very refreshing and a modern style. It isn't just another play that one gets to witness. It is undoubtedly one of those unsurpassed diamonds that we get blessed with once in a blue moon. Mughal - E - Azam: The Musical is one of the greatest theatricals that have ever been made on such a grand scale and shall be remembered till eternity.
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