New Delhi: Raja Shivchhatrapati, a historical drama on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has returned to Delhi after a gap of four years.
The Union Ministry of Culture, in association with Maharaja Shivchhatrapati Pratishthan, a Pune-based organisation, is organising the shows at Red Fort ground. The inaugural show was staged on November 2.
The play, narrating the life and times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, begins with the pre-Shivaji era, which features the brutal invasion of Allauddin Khilji and ends with the crowning of Shivaji Maharaj.
Jai Bhavani, Jai Shivaji!
Attended and watched the MahaNatya – ‘Raja Shiv Chhatrapati’, a play on the life and journey of the Great Warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/gHUmBYbfGe
— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) November 3, 2022
Popular Indian historian and theatre personality from Maharashtra, Babasaheb Purandare’s famous play was first shown in 1985 in Pune. With more than 250 artists participating, the mega historical play has performed 1500 shows across the globe, including the US, UK and other countries.
Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy was the chief guest on the second day. Shri Kishan Reddy spoke about how the life and journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj inspire the people and guide the generations to come. He also dwelt on how celebrations and shows like these are a fitting contribution to Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Mesmerising !!
Four Story Set, 200+ artists, Real horses 🐎, Camels 🐪 & 3 hours of LIVE theatre on Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Powerful dialogues to convey Shivaji Raje’s idea of Ram-Rajya & Hind-Swaraj.
Bhagwa flag with the backdrop of Red Fort made it divine 🪔 pic.twitter.com/Cs69e8tgqK
— Shantanu Gupta (@shantanug_) November 4, 2022
The three-hour live show is enacted on a four-storey stage. The Red Fort grounds have been converted as ‘Raigad Fort’ where Shivaji Maharaj was crowned as Chhatrapati. The stage and the grounds are decorated with Bhagwa Dhwajas and lights, recreating the great Hindu Samrajya. The 90-feet rotating stage, live animals like camels and horses, display of martial arts and powerful narration etc., are the major attraction of the event.
