Last week I attended 'Rajadhiraaj Love life Leela,' - a spectacular mega-musical that beautifully and aesthetically captured the numerous enchanting tales of Lord Krishna in a little over 120 minutes. Playing at the Grand Theatre of the NMACC in Mumbai's BKC, the musical transported the audience into a divine odyssey with Krishna leading the way. Penned by ace lyricist Prasoon Joshi. comceptualised and created by Dhanraj Nathwani, 'Rajadhiraaj..' provides an immersive experience into the life and times and divinity of Krishna presented on stage by over a hundred artists under the direction of Shruti Sharma. Bhoomi Nathwani is the executive producer of the musical.
Against stunning backdrops, singers were live singing to some soul-stirring soundtracks that played during the show which began with the birth of Krishna in Mathura, the arrest of his parents Devaki and Vasudev and his being taken across the Yamuna to Vrindavan. All his escapades thereafter are depicted through dance, drama and such revelry that the viewer immediately feels she's a part of the 'celebration.'
The entire show is an instant reminder that this mega project has been immaculately planned and executed by those who are firm believers in Krishna's teachings and divinity and as an ode to the God on Janmashtmi, the day of his birth, the show opened with celebratory tales of his love, magic and beliefs in the concept of Dharma and Karma. The music, composed by Sachin-Jigar is intoxicating and in perfect consonance with the joyous and celebratory tone of the show that takes us through Krishna's journey from Vraj to Mewar, from Mathura to Dwarka, from the Govardhan Parbat to the Nathdwara haveli where he came to be worshipped as Shrinathji and as a playful child in Gokul to the wise charioteer and Arjun's mentor, all in a narrative storytelling format, that is both, sensory and transformative.
Effectively using theatrical haze, flashing lights and fog wherever necessary, the storytelling flows seamlessly against ever-changing backgrounds that keep the viewer hooked throughout.
Choreographers Bertwin D’souza and Shampa Gopikrishna bring about the zest and dynamism that is so intrinsically symbolic of Krishna's Raas Leela. We were seated in one of the front rows and so the experience was both personal and ethereal. There's a 20-minute break which is enough for you to grab a bite and at the same time, not lose the momentum. While 'Rajadhiraj..' touches upon almost all the varied aspects and avatars and stories of Krishna we have grown up knowing, it doesn't do justice to the part where Krishna mentors and advises a young Arjuna on karma and why the latter must do what is right.
I wish there was a special segment on Krishna's role in the Mahabharata and how his judgement and manipulation were crucial in the final outcome of the battle. But then the show is an ode to God, no questions asked.
The mega-musical will come to a close on September 5, Thursday.
