Watching Mughal-e-Azam live in action at NMACC is like watching the movie come to life. It's a treat; a feast to the eyes to see the majestic set in all its splendour and to watch Salim and Anarkali in flesh and blood.
As director Feroz Abbas Khan reimagines the iconic film as a live stage musical, he and his exceptionally able crew of actors, dancers, choreographers, music directors and stage designers give you the opportunity to engage and connect with the narrative in a way you can only do when you feel a part of "vibe".
The musical stays faithful to the original 1960 film, to the extent that you can literally lip-sync each dialogue and song you've heard and seen on the screen a zillion times before. And therein lies the magic. Naushad's classic soundtrack and Shakeel Badayuni's lyrics bring back the nostalgia of watching this epic love story at home on television and the live performance brings a new level of emotional depth to the classic tale of love and loyalty.
Who had ever thought watching Pyar kiya toh darna kya would be such a captivating experience? Mayuri Upadhyay's team of brilliant dancers adds such sparkle to the performance which is further accentuated with dangling mirrors and a play of light that transports you back to K. Asif's intriguing world of love, loss, battle, honour and duty. Priyanka Barve as the dainty and charming Anarkali does a fine job, not just in essaying the layered personality of the lead protagonist, but also breathes life into her by way of Barve's exceptional live rendition of songs.
No doubt the stage adaptation highlights some of the challenges of translating a screen musical to the stage, but it convinces you to believe in the immense talent and abilities of every department, showcasing the timelessness of this beloved tale. However, at times, one cannot help but notice the lack of emotional heft the characters otherwise project on screen, however, that is more about the medium than the execution.
Additionally, at times the silences seem too long and stretchy, but that is more than made up by the eclectic performances that are peppered throughout the musical that lasts for a good two and a half hours. Overall, the live stage musical of Mughal-e-Azam is a must-watch for fans of the original film and Indian classical music.
Set in the backdrop of the 16th century, Mughal-e-Azam follows the story of Prince Salim who falls in love with the exquisite commoner Anarkali in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The twist in the plot is introduced when Salim's father, Akbar, disapproves of his romance and a mighty ego battle ensues.
