As the auspicious Krishna Janmashtami occasion approaches, devotees around the world prepare to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved and revered deities in Hindu mythology. This year, the festivities take on a new dimension with the premiere of a groundbreaking theatrical production Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela, a musical odyssey that promises to captivate audiences and deepen their connection to the divine.
The world’s first significant musical spectacle centered around Shri Krishna’s life and teachings is set to unfold at the (NMACC) Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre‘s Grand Theatre. This ambitious production, conceived and created by a team of visionary artists, aims to bring Krishna’s timeless tales to life in a stunning theatrical form never before seen. TheGlitz has more…
RAJADHIRAAJ: LOVE LIFE LEELA
The show, running for 120 mesmerising minutes, will transport viewers through the many facets of Krishna’s existence, showcasing his magnanimity and benevolence in ways both familiar and surprising. From August 15 to September 1, 2024, daily performances will offer audiences a chance to immerse themselves in this unique spiritual and artistic experience.
What sets this production apart is its focus on the lesser-known tales of Krishna’s journey, weaving them into a tapestry of love, life, and divine play (leela). Through stunning visuals, rich storytelling, and soul-stirring music, the show promises to be more than just entertainment—it’s a musical odyssey that touches the heart and elevates the spirit.
As the curtain rises on this grand theatrical, viewers will be treated to a feast for the senses that not only celebrates the well-known aspects of Krishna’s life but also sheds light on the subtle nuances of his teachings and the profound impact of his presence in the world. This innovative approach to storytelling aims to deepen the audience’s understanding and appreciation of Krishna’s eternal message, making it relevant to contemporary lives while honouring age-old traditions.
Visionaries Behind the Curtain
“Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela” is conceptualised and created by Dhanraj Nathwani for Krishna devotees. About this unprecedented musical, he says, “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. 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.”
Bhoomi Nathwani, the executive producer, adds, “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 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 Shri Krishna’s divine saga.”
Renowned lyricist, screenwriter, and Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi pens the lyrics, guiding audiences through Krishna’s lesser-known tales as he transitions from Vraj to Mewar and Mathura to Dwarka. Seasoned theatre director Shruti Sharma, with her expertise in musical theatre, showcases the talents of over 180 artists to bring this magnificent production to life, converging Shri Krishna’s divine forms as his Shrinathji and Dwarkadheesh swaroops are portrayed together for the first time in a musical play.
From Krishna’s playful escapades as the mischievous cowherd in Gokul, endearing himself to the village folk, to his profound role as the wise charioteer imparting the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, the musical captures the essence of Krishna’s multifaceted persona in a spellbinding manner.
The soul-stirring soundtrack features 20 original songs by ace composer duo Sachin-Jigar, blending Western symphonic elements recorded in Budapest with Indian classical music, alongside Haveli Sangeet, Rajasthani and Gujarati folk, and Hindustani semi-classical genres. Bollywood’s award-winning designer, Omung Kumar, creates intricate scenes transporting viewers to ancient India. The show is creatively produced by seasoned professionals Parthiv Gohil and Viral Rachh, with National Award-winning writer Raam Mori providing in-depth story research.
Neeta Lulla, a celebrated costume designer, weaves authenticity and splendour into each character’s dress, bringing mythological characters to life with over 1,800 elaborately crafted costumes that showcase the characters’ heavenly playfulness, bravery, and philosophical depth. While choreographers Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa Gopikrishna’s exquisite dance sequences, performed by over 60 dancers, further immerse viewers in the vibrant world of Krishna, Shampa Gopikrishna continues the legacy of her late father, the legendary Kathak maestro and choreographer Natraj Shri Gopikrishna.
Audiences are sure to be enchanted by the mesmerising world of “Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela” at Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre’s —The Grand Theatre — an unforgettable journey into the essence of Shri Krishna’s divine saga.
