One of the most worrying thoughts I often have, as the parent of a 12-year-old is, what is my son being exposed to in the name of entertainment! Considering that movies have all that with the content available on OTT platforms and you actually are in a fix as to how much to filter before it reaches a young, impressionable person. While cinema outside of the Hindi film industry is still eclectic, the greater part of what is being churned out from ‘Bollywood’ sadly has little or no relatability with the larger Bharatiya society now. Excessive dependence on Western narratives, distorted ideas and full-blown pornographic access seems to be the order of the day when it comes to Hindi cinema, which tends to leave the audience confused, disillusioned, seeking instant gratification… the list of problematic influences seems endless. Again, as a mother, it becomes a challenge to continuously monitor what my young one is watching, especially with social media showcasing everything to our private chambers at the touch of an Android screen. Where does one look out for if wholesome entertainment is desired that also mirrors the rich socio-cultural heritage of Bharat, a country that can inspire through art, music, dance and absolutely fantastic lores passed down generations.
Recently, a ray of hope seemed to have washed over the Capital as Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela, Bharat’s first ever grand musical extravaganza, floored denizens with a spectacular depiction of tales from the life and times of Bhagwan Shri Krishna. That the show would find a resonance with people on the other side of 40 was evident but it was absolutely exciting to see children and youngsters take to the show with much fascination. It was as if Shri Krishna swayam (Himself) was pulling them towards Him. The audience swayed to the songs being sung, they clapped when the performers danced and watched mesmerised as every episode unfolded before their eyes. My son kept clapping after every act as I smiled in wonder as to how starved our children have been of good entertainment! Give them something substantial and connected to Bharatiya history, package them creatively and present it beautifully then these same minds that are forced to overdose on substandard content would gravitate towards presentations inspired by what is thoroughly Bharatiya and Sanatani by heart. Director Shruti Sharma and Dhanraj Nathwani, the creator of the show, proved just that. Bharat is a country with centuries of fascinating tales from our history. Some talented mind just needs to revisit the past and bring them out in a package that the audience won’t be able to ignore. Rajadhiraaj tasted immense success in Mumbai where it was launched. Its Delhi showcase was a massive success as well. The travelling musical, whose writer and lyricist is Prasoon Joshi, now is all set to floor people in other cities. I wish it does even better from here so that more people get an incentive to create such marvels. There is Mahabharat, Ramayan and so much more, right?
Bharat is a country with centuries of fascinating tales from our history. Some talented mind just needs to revisit the past and bring them out in a package that the audience won’t be able to ignore.
As I sat spellbound watching the perfectly put together acts, I also understood the power of bhakti that enveloped every scene and which in a way formed a magnetic force around the audience. We have seen episodes from Shri Krishna’s life being aired on television. But to witness him being born, the kalia nag shielding him from the rain as Vasudev carried him in a basket to Gokul as a storm lashed on Yamuna is a different feeling altogether. The credit goes to the team that crafted the life size props and the digital backdrops that made every scene feel tangible almost. Another notable montage was young Krishna resting Govardhan Parvat on his little finger so that the villagers could stay safe from the rain. This moment was humbling for me as I reflected on how powerful is our God who flexes his might to protect those who faithfully seek him out. This reassures you that no matter what harm befalls you, Shri Krishna shall be there to take care of you if you believe in him. The veracity of this thought is further strengthened as you watch this scene being played out. As the kathaakaars narrated the stories, the audience seemed to be interacting with them in praise of Shri Krishna and his maya as well as magnanimity. The auditorium reverberated with the echoes of Jai Shri Krishna as we understood how these kathaakaars have been instrumental in carrying forward the legacy of our Sanatani culture and history through age old customs of narrative tales. This musical reinforces that glorious practice once again.
Rajadhiraaj would not be such a flawless and spiritually moving experience that delves into the divine essence of Shri Krishna’s love, life, and leela without the music composed by Sachin-Jigar. To acknowledge the originality of the songs, the immense talent of the live singers and the rehearsals that achieved this outcome makes you again compare the lacklustre copy paste jobs being done in the Hindi film music industry as well. The music in the show helped transcend the boundaries of storytelling as we beheld the unfolding of the soulful journey of our Bhagwan. Each note in the scenes left us soaked in a celestial fervour that celebrated the boundless joy and spiritual depth of Shri Krishna’s divine presence. A special applause to the choreographers. Bertwin Ravi D’Souza brought energy and grace to every dance he choreographed while Shampa Gopikrishna’s renditions brought zest and dynamism to the dances. Whoever says that Bharatiya contemporary dance forms cannot grab the attention of masses should have seen the reaction of the audience at the show. While there is an overdose of crassness in the name of dance shown in Hindi movies of today, Rajadhiraaj presented recitals that harped on the beauty of Bharatiya classical dance forms by blending them with modern moves, beats and rhythms.
Another person who must be cheered for the work she put into making the show so grandiose is fashion couturier Neeta Lulla, who designed the costumes. Bharat is a country blessed with a rich textile and craft heritage. The costumes reflect that. Lulla has combined traditional aesthetic sensibilities of the past and merged them with contemporary tastes to create attires that are colourful, vibrant and rich. A sheer delight for the eyes once you watch how everything unfurls in the show. My son kept mentioning the peacocks who shone in their iridescent plumes and bodysuits. We are a country of people who wear good clothes and dressed well. Not just the representatives of royal lineage but otherwise too. When cinema costumes are so highly influenced by western fashion and are also quite objectionable at times, Rajadhiraaj turned out to be not just a welcome change but a visual feast.
I had but one complaint from the presenter after the curtain call. He kept referring to Shri Krishna’s life and fables as mythology. This colonial construct of Bharatiya history needs to end. Our children must be told unapologetically about our Sanatani past through such presentations and they must feel proud of the legacy of our ancestors. The belief that Shri Krishna was there when people needed him and he shall always be there when we call out to him with bhakti bhav is a truth that should not be maligned with words like myth. He is the Rajadhiraaj whose leela continues to hold Bharat and its people in thrall! The mega musical establishes that quite emphatically!
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