In an exhilarating theatrical venture, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) is set to debut “Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela,” the world’s first mega-musical dedicated to the life of Lord Krishna. Dhanraj Nathwani, who conceptualised and created this grand production, will commence at the Grand Theatre from August 15th to September 1st, 2024, promising an extraordinary 120-minute experience.
The musical, described as the magic and majesty of Lord Krishna by Nathwani, aims to capture the profound essence of Krishna’s life through a combination of rich storytelling, stunning visuals and an evocative soundtrack. Inviting audiences to experience the magic and majesty of Krishna in this unprecedented musical, Dhanraj Nathwani, said, “Creating ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela’ has been a journey of devotion and passion for me. 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,” he said.
“I am thrilled to bring his timeless stories and intertwining journeys of 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,” he added.
Executive Producer Bhoomi Nathwani emphasised the immersive nature of the production, which features over 180 artists.
“We are confident that the audiences will be mesmerised as the ensemble of over 180 artists embarks on this remarkable artistic journey of dancing and live singing, promising a profoundly immersive experience into the essence of Krishna’s divine saga,” she noted.
Renowned Indian lyricist and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi, a Padma Shri Awardee, has penned the lyrics for the musical, exploring lesser-known tales of Lord Krishna.
Under the direction of Shruti Sharma, a seasoned theatre director, the production vividly portrays Krishna’s various divine forms, including his roles as Shrinathji and Dwarkadheesh, for the first time in a musical.
The musical’s soundtrack, featuring 20 original songs by acclaimed music duo Sachin-Jigar, is a precise mixture of Western symphonic elements with Indian classical music and regional folk traditions. The score is recorded in Budapest and combines elements of Haveli Sangeet, Rajasthani and Gujarati folk, and Hindustani semi-classical genres.
Production designer Omung Kumar has curated intricate scenes that take audiences to ancient India, while choreographers Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa Gopikrishna deliver mesmerising dance sequences with over 60 dancers. Gopikrishna, continuing the legacy of her late father, the legendary Kathak maestro Natraj Shri Gopikrishna, brings her expertise to the production’s vibrant dance scenes.
Costume designer Neeta Lulla, known for her iconic contributions to Indian cinema, has created over 1,800 costumes, highlighting the divine and multifaceted nature of Lord Krishna’s persona.
“Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela” promises to be an enchanting journey into the divine saga of Krishna, inviting audiences to experience his divine essence through a spectacular fusion of music, dance, and visual artistry.
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