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Now watch Mughal-e-Azam in a musical in America
Long before Bollywood became a name or cult classics were a thing, a 1960 historical drama created a rare stir in Indian cinema. Mughal-e-Azam, a feature film by K.Asif based on a play titled Anarkali tells the story of Mughal prince Salim and his “forbidden” love affair with a court dancer Anarkali.
Several decades later, the Dilip Kumar, Madhubala starrer remains a feature that is much admired and appreciated by a generation of South Asians. However, now a new generation gets to experience the epic tale in a musical format.
Read: Theatrical version of Mughal-e-Azam continues to pack crowds in Delhi (February 7, 2018)
Directed by Feroze Abbas Khan, the classic has now been adapted into a musical play which has already had house full showings not just in India, but also in at least 6 cities across Asia including Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat and Doha.
The show is all set to make its debut in North America after over 200 performances on stage. The 13-city tour kicks off in Atlanta on Friday, May 26 with stops set for New York, Chicago, Toronto and more.
While most second or third generation Indian Americans may have never seen the movie, the fact that the musical brings back the nostalgia of their parents’, grandparents’ times in a format that is more appealing to newer generations can definitely make the musical a hit across ages.
Read: Life of Pi on Broadway gets a warm welcome (March 28, 2023)
Based on K Asif’s 1960 classic film of the same name, the story not only tells a tale of love and passion but also includes a rare showcase of India’s rich culture of Kathak dances and classical music. Intertwined in a legendary love story, the musical promises to bring alive an era of eternal charm in India.
The play also boasts of being one of the most expensive theatre productions from India. Those who have seen the show in one of the locations where its performed before have raved about its mesmerizing dance sequences.
Read: North American Tour of India’s Biggest Play Mughal-e-Azam Is Now On Sale, 13-City Run Kicks Off in Atlanta May 26-28 (May 5, 2023)
Spectacular lighting, extravagant costumes and live signing are some of the other hallmarks of the show, according to Director Feroz Abbas Khan.
“A love story that threatened an empire and the sheer audacity of a courtesan to challenge an emperor by declaring ‘Pyaar kiya toh darna kya’ is simply breathtaking. A musical of unprecedented scale, intensity and grace, this is perhaps the finest moment in Indian theatre.”
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