Mughal-e-Azam The Musical made its International premiere in Dubai earlier this month at the Dubai Community Theatre And Arts centre, DUCTAC … reports Asian Lite News.
After enthralling packed audiences across Mumbai, Delhi and most recently Ahmedabad with its scale, design and splendor, Mughal-e-Azam The Musical made its International premiere in Dubai earlier this month at the Dubai Community Theatre And Arts centre, DUCTAC.
The play which swept the Broadway World Awards last year including the Best Indian Play has set a new benchmark for Indian theater. Be it the extravagant sets or the Mughal era costumes by Manish Malhotra, the breathtaking choreography by Mayuri Upadhya or the live singing by the lead actors, the spectacular concert is a fitting tribute to K.Asif’s timeless epic.
Mughal-e-Azam follows the story of the Mughal Prince Salim who openly declares his love for a lowly court dancer named Anarkali and leads a rebellion against his mighty father, Emperor Akbar, who disapproves of their relationship. The epic film was produced by Shapoorji Pallonji. More than five decades later, the renowned Indian playwright Feroz Abbas Khan, known for plays like “Mahatma vs. Gandhi,” “Tumhari Amrita,”” Saalgirah” & “Dinner with Friends “ amongst others, brings this classic film to stage as a Broadway-style musical.
The play is mostly faithful to the K. Asif classic, and complete with lavish sets, colourful costumes, flowery verses, soulful music and brilliantly choreographed dance sequences, all sublimely orchestrated by Khan to create an immersive theatre experience.
Director Feroz Abbas Khan says, “I had always wanted to share this great piece of cinema as a theatrical experience. The epic love story of Prince Salim and Anarkali has been told beautifully on Celluloid. I have attempted to create a contemporary version of it for live audiences. I am humbled by the appreciation from audiences across India. I am excited as we present Mughal-e-Azam on a global platform.”
Deepesh Salgia (Creative and Strategic Vision: Mughal-e-Azam) says, “After repeated success across cities in India, we are now taking the play internationally for the first time. Dubai and its audiences are known for their love and appreciation of theater and the arts. Moreover, since ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ speaks the language of love, like all immortal love stories, we are sure it will be loved by Dubai audiences in equal measure.”
With its cast and crew of over 350 people, with more than 200 lights illuminating the stage, 550 costumes designed by Manish Malhotra, not to mention the live singing on stage (original songs from the film), the five days of shows were jam packed and it was fair to say the critics are raving about it and the audiences are ecstatic.
Truly, this once in a lifetime experience comes only once in a lifetime.
