Mughal-e-Azam is known for its extravagance and magnificence. Be it the heart-touching performances by the actors, romantic sequences, or enthralling dance numbers, the film is still immensely popular among all age groups. Last year, director Feroz Abbas Khan recreated the magic of the film as he took the 1960s classic to the stage. Calling it his tribute to the masterpiece, Khan reintroduced it in the form of a Broadway model musical play Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical. With over 350 people as cast and crew, and 550 costumes designed by ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra, the play was a crowd puller, as the stage came alive with live musicians and dancers sharing the stage at the same time.
Mapping the success of the play, Khan, along with the producer of the show, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, is bringing the second season of the musical to Delhi from February 1 to 11. The performance will be staged at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. Since the stage is sizeable, the number of performers are expected to increase. In fact, the choreographers are looking for female Kathak dancers for their second season.
Choreographer Mayuri Upadhyay, who trains the team of dancers, said that since dancers have the most fascinating and demanding role in Mughal-e-Azam, the search is on for those interested.
"Dancers are the ones who take the journey forward, connecting the audience with sheer poetry of classical movement. At one point, they speak the madness of the emperor Akbar with just the sound of their ghungroos and at another, the free loving spirit of Anarkali is brought out. So, anybody who is passionate about their dance and their stories should come for the audition. Those who want to learn more about team work and discipline and create milestones in the journey of dance should also be a part of Mughal-e-Azam,” she says.
For their search, the production house is holding dance auditions in multiple cities and is looking for someone between 18-30 years. Coincidentally, the second season also happens to be the 100th show for which they are leaving no stone unturned to choose the best dancers. The team will commence the auditions in Mumbai and Delhi from January 6. The venue for auditions in Mumbai is Rapid Waters Pvt Ltd in West Andheri and that in Delhi is Saraswati Music College in Safdarjung Enclave, from 12 to 4pm.
