New Delhi: The opening night of ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ — the mega-musical odyssey detailing Shri Krishna’s eternal saga — received an overwhelming reception in Delhi, captivating the audience with its artistic brilliance. The Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Auditorium in the national capital resonated with the symphony of music and the sacred name of Shri Krishna, filled with devotion long after the notes had faded.
The auditorium was packed on its second day too with an enthusiastic audience, and renowned bollywood celebrities, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor and Vedang Raina adding an extra touch to the glamour.
Conceptualised by the visionary Dhanraj Nathwani, the show united generations under one roof to celebrate the rich tapestry of art, culture, and tradition. Of all, it brought them closer to the eternal divine Rajadhiraaj Shri Krishna.
On the debut night of the musical theatrical in Delhi, Dhanraj Nathwani said, “Creating Rajadhiraaj has been a long-held dream. It is not just a musical for me, but a reflection of my devotion and unwavering belief in Shri Dwarkadheesh. From the idea to its execution, I have poured my heart into this, and I have enjoyed every bit of the Rajadhiraaj journey. Shri Krishna’s life and teachings have been a source of inspiration for ages, and I have always wanted to bring them to the people in a way that has never been done before. We received an overwhelming response in Mumbai, and the opening night in Delhi was also spectacular. I hope the audience enjoys the captivating tales of Shri Krishna as much as we did while creating it.”
After a stellar run in Mumbai, the show marked its debut in Delhi on November 29, 2024. The one-of-a-kind theatrical experience, which brings to life the magnanimity and benevolence of Shri Krishna, will enchant the city’s spectators until December 8, 2024. Executive producer Bhoomi Nathwani described the musical as a celebration of India’s rich culture and tradition.
Sharing her thoughts on the spectacular reception from the audience in Delhi she said, “Rajadhiraaj is an incredibly personal and emotional project for Dhanraj, and me. The mega-musical has been brought to life by some of the best creative minds in a way that has never been showcased before. The storyline, the music, the choreography, the set, the props, and the costumes — all come together to create a magical experience on the stage. We are absolutely thrilled with the love and response the show has received in Delhi and look forward to sharing this incredible experience with even more audiences in the coming days.”
The world’s first musical on Shri Krishna’s life has been penned by celebrated screenwriter and lyricist, Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi. It portrays two forms of Shri Krishna— Shrinathji and Dwarkadheesh. The musical offers audiences a captivating journey through the numerous tales of Shri Krishna staged by 180 artists. Speaking about the spectacular night, Prasoon Joshi said, “Shri Krishna is divine, and his life is eternal. Bringing his story to life on stage was a privilege and a great learning experience. All of us have put in a lot of effort to bring this grand musical that resonates with all generations. We are truly humbled by the overwhelming response from the audience in Delhi.”
The production allure is the 20 original soul-stirring soundtracks composed by the musical duo Sachin-Jigar. The music blends western symphonic elements from Budapest and Indian classical, weaving intricate melody that transcends borders.
Omung Kumar’s intricate set design and Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa Gopikrishna’s mesmerizing choreography add a stunning visual appeal to the show, enhancing its emotional depth and cultural richness. Celebrated costume designer Neeta Lulla brings mythical characters to life with her bespoke, custom-made costumes.
The show is creatively produced by Parthiv Gohil and Viral Rachh, while National Award-winning writer Raam Mori has contributed to the project’s in-depth story research.
‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela’ is a celebration of art, devotion and the eternal divine. It promises an unforgettable evening and a mesmerising theatrical experience.