11 Reasons To Watch Mughal-E-Azam - The Play

The epic and iconic cult film with its thundering monologues and unforgettable songs has returned to the stage in a grand production at NCPA. Here are the top reasons making this spectacular grand musical a not to be missed experience.



1) Broadway Style Musical

For the first time in the history of Indian theatre, a musical play will be staged matching the standard of Broadway. This stage production combines the grandeur, music, lyrics and of course the epic love story of Salim and Anarkali, with modern technology.

2) NCPA

The NCPA Mumbai regularly welcomes some of the leading orchestras from around the world along with staging landmark theatre productions. As co-producers, NCPA has spared no expense in ensuring that the Mughal-E-Azam musical play is an experience like none other. The choice of NCPA as a venue is prestigious and befitting for such a production as it is the only venue where something of this scale and technology can be staged.

3) Shapoorji Pallonji

The 150-year-old business group had a brief stint with the entertainment industry. With their long history with the film, they are also producers of this spectacular musical play.

4) Feroz Abbas Khan

The production will be helmed by well-known director Feroz Abbas Khan. He is the winner of several International and National Awards for his film Gandhi My Father and is the creator of stage masterpieces like Tumhari Amrita, Salesman Ramlal, Mahatma v/s Gandhi and several other plays. No one else could have envisioned re-creating this epic film as a spectacular musical and you cannot miss out on watching his vision unfold on stage.

5) Live Music, Dances & Dialogues

Live performances of the film's original songs will provide an unforgettable experience. Couple this with live dances and powerful dialogues and you get one of the rarest creations in Indian theatres.

6) Opulent Costumes

The costumes for this extravaganza have been designed by ace designer Manish Malhotra, one of the most celebrated designers in India who is known for his colour storytelling. Over 25 years of his career, Manish has received over 35 awards and designed looks for over 1000 films.

7) Scale & Grandeur

The scale & grandeur of this production is of an exceptional scale and never before seen in the history of Indian theatre.

8) Aesthetic Dance Numbers

Mayuri Upadhyay’s choreography is breathtaking and innovative. She is the winner of the “International Competition of Choreography for Asian Dance Productions”, South Korea (2012). Mayuri is one of the most innovative and talented choreographers of the country with her style being modern and contemporary yet strongly rooted in Indian traditions.

9) Magnificent Sets

The sets of this grand musical have been designed by Neil Patel, the award-winning production designer and set designer of theater, film, television, opera and dance.

10) Projection Design

John Narun is executing the projection design. Nominated for an Emmy Award for his television work, John’s creative evolution has been a colourful one. From concerts with artists like Madonna to huge mega productions at Radio City Music Hall, to name a few of his works, have been landmarks.

11) Lighting Design

David Lander is in charge of the Lighting Design. He has received the 2011 Drama Desk Award for Best Lighting Design for Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo by Rajiv Joseph.

So don’t give it a second thought, and do go and watch this grand play at NCPA