Mega musical Rajadhiraaj showing in Delhi

Musical Rajadhiraaj Love Life Leela, to be staged in JLN indoor auditorium in Delhi from November 29 to December 8
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

After a star-studded gala premiere and running to packed auditorium at the Grand Theatre of NMACC, Mumbai, the mega musical Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela, opens on Friday night at the Jawahar Lal Nehru indoor auditorium in the Capital. The tech-driven mythology enacted by 180 artists is a blend of rich storytelling, foot-tapping songs and stunning visuals put together by lyricist and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi who forayed into theatre with his first musical, Sachin-Jigar who created a powerful soundtrack, Neeta Lulla who designed 1,800 bespoke custom-made costumes and, the director Shruti Sharma, among others.

Joshi has delved into lesser-known stories tracing the divine saga of Krishna’s journey across Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Mewar and Devbhoomi Dwarka. The captivating musical intertwines Krishna, as Shrinath and Dwarkadheesh and creates a unique and immersive experience for the audience.

“I always seek and venture into intricate, under-explored subjects. Be it a Taare Zameen Par on learning difficulties or Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a sports biopic,” says Joshi. “Varied creative formats – poetry, ads, songs, film scripts, musicals, and theatre – all appeal to me; I let my heart and pen lead the way.”

Prasoon Joshi
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

He believes the subject chooses him and soaks him in. “Writing a two-hour script, dialogue, and 20 original songs was not easy work but a sheer joy.”

Sachin-Jigar elevated the songs by blending Western symphonic elements from Budapest with Indian classical, haveli sangeet, Rajasthani and Gujarati folk, and Hindustani semi-classical music.

The musical stands out for staying true to the subject, Joshi says, highlighting the philosophical depths of the characters and allowing emotions to anchor it. “Krishna’s story is all about love and seeking. Love for creation, the explained and the unexplained, for the personal and the universal; the manifestations of love are found in whichever form one seeks.”

Musical, Rajadhiraaj Love Life Leela, to be staged in JLN indoor auditorium in Delhi from November 29 to December 8
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

“There is individual and collective energy in the production because it permeates positivity with pure intent. I am happy we are able to give the audiences an unforgettable experience with aplomb.”

Conceptualised by Dhanraj Nathwani, the musical has received appreciation for redefining Indian theatre and standing out as a cultural phenomenon. “Bringing the unique and immersive experience to Delhi holds special significance as we are close to the revered Brijbhoomi, Krishna’s birth place, and everybody feels more connected,” says Nathwani.

At Indoor auditorium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, CGO Complex, Pragati Vihar; November 29 to December 8; 2 pm and 7pm; Tickets on BookMyShow