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The world’s first mega musical about Shri Krishna, Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela, conceived and created by Dhanraj Nathwani, premiered on Wednesday, at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). The musical opened to a glamourous evening filled with friends, family and the who’s who of Bollywood. Among the stars, present were Aamir Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Shikhar Pahariya, Ananya Panday, Raveena Tandon, Ritiesh Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Aanad L Rai, R Balki, Madhur Bhandarkar and Udit Narayan, to name a few.
Staging this magnum opus musical, Dhanraj Nathwani was elated to see the response he got from his friends from the industry. Speaking exclusively with News18, after the premiere of the show, Nathwani said, “The biggest compliment I would say is that there is not even one person who said they didn’t get Goosebumps listening to the lyrics. Everyone has loved it. We have achieved what we always wished for — that this reaches to the people and the younger generation. People are able to relate to it.”
He further added, “This is a musical play, which always the younger kids will love it for entertainment and will take some learning from Krishna and go home. Those who believe in Krishna, will believe more in him. So, by all means, it is going have a great impact on every person. I am sure that our wish and desire of Krishna’s message being conveyed to the world will happen soon.”
On being asked why did he decide to make it a musical and not a theatrical play, Nathwani elucidated, “Mainly, it is more of an entertainer with conveying the message of Krishna and Bhagvadgita. People don’t like to get into the mythology stories and listen religious stories. So, this is one way that people will connect. Those who don’t believe in god will also believe and start knowing the story of Krishna is about. So, it’s more about connecting people to the world and to the god.”
Earlier, Nathwani also stated that creating the musical “has been a journey of devotion and passion for me.” Talking about his vision, he had shared, “Shri Krishna’s life is an endless source of inspiration, and through this musical, our aim is to share the beauty, wisdom, and love that he embodies. I am thrilled to bring his timeless stories and intertwining journeys of Shri Krishna as Shrinathji and Dwarkadheesh, in a way that has never been seen before, embarking the audience on an unforgettable journey into the divine saga of Shri Krishna.”
Executive Producer Bhoomi Nathwani was also happy to see the response that the musical received after its grand premiere. Talking exclusively to News18, she said, “The best compliment was [when people said,] ‘You must take this show global’, because it shows our culture.” On deciding to make it as a musical, Bhoomi said, “I think every human has many emotions, and music is the best way to express evert emotion. Similarly, even Krishna’s leela has many emotions, and musical is the best way to Krishna’s leelas.”
Earlier, Bhoomi also showed her gratitude towards the entire cast and crew of the musical. She had said, “We are deeply grateful to the entire cast and crew for their immense efforts in bringing this magnificent production to life. We are confident that the audiences will be mesmerized, as the ensemble of over 180 artists embark on this remarkable artistic journey of dancing and live singing, promising a profoundly immersive experience into the essence of Shri Krishna’s divine saga.”
The musical features lyrics by acclaimed Indian lyricist and screenwriter, Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi. It explores lesser-known aspects of Shri Krishna’s life, depicting his journeys from Vraj to Mewar and Mathura to Dwarka. Directed by the experienced Shruti Sharma, known for her expertise in musical theatre, the production showcases over 180 artists and presents Shri Krishna’s divine forms of Shrinathji and Dwarkadheesh together for the first time in a musical play. Award-winning Bollywood production designer Omung Kumar meticulously crafts scenes that transport viewers to ancient India. The show is produced by seasoned professionals Parthiv Gohil and Viral Rachh. The story research is done by National Award-winning writer Raam Mori, and promises a rich visual and narrative experience.
Choreographed by Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa Gopikrishna, the musical features stunning dance sequences performed by over 60 dancers. Shampa Gopikrishna carries on the legacy of her late father, the renowned Kathak maestro Natraj Shri Gopikrishna. Celebrated costume designer Neeta Lulla, known for her iconic work in Indian cinema, has designed over 1,800 costumes that vividly bring to life the divine and mythical characters.
Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela at NMACC’s Grand Theatre is set to mesmerize the audience from Thursday, August 15 to September 1, 2024.
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