Feroz Abbas Khan, the epic film maker of Gandhi, My Father, is back with a musical adaptation of Mughal-e-Azam for the Delhi stage. By Angela Paljor
Iconic sets, trailblazing performances and dialogues, the like of which haven't been heard since – the movie Mughal-e-Azam is known for all this and more. And soon enough, you will get to see theatre adaptation of the epic 1960 historical. Feroz Abbas Khan, known for his Midas touch in theatre, will be staging Mughal-e-Azam at the wrestling stadium, Jawahar lal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
Talking about his new venture, Khan says he is trying to create a live theatre production of international standards. He elaborates, “We have respected the memories of the original film and added a few more memories of our own. It’s a tribute to the genius of K Asif and his collaborators.”
While the story is already embedded in the minds of the people, Khan rather than giving it a contemporary look, cherishes its old world classicism. He says, “This is a timeless love story, a classic. As long as we have lovers who are ready to die for their faith in themselves, we don’t need to update. Yes, the presentation is modern and the rhythm and pace of the play very contemporary. We transport the audience to the Mughal era through the present consciousness.”
There is an array of renowned names working on different aspects of the project. While designer Manish Malhotra will re-create the royal look through his costumes, the choreography by Mayuri Upadhya will try to ignite the magic of the beautiful Madhubala and match her dance steps. Khan has included classically trained Kathak dancers from across the country – all of whom will come together with technical support from New York. Talking about the scale of the play, Khan shares, “We have two very committed producers in Shapoorji Pallonji and NCPA, who were very clear from the beginning that if it doesn’t match the standards of the film or ensure a felt experience then there is no point in doing it. It is because of their support that such a mega production has been possible.”
While people still hum K Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam’s song Pyar kia to darna kya, Khan, who has constantly been delivering hit plays, feels that people in Delhi will definitely connect to the play. He says, “Culturally, the play will definitely have a strong resonance in Delhi. This city lives and encounters its history every day, particularly the Mughal era. They will savour the nuances of the language, immerse in the intricacies of the Kathak dance, be enchanted by the haunting music, get stunned by the period costumes and moved by the story of the star-crossed lovers. I am most excited to see the audience reaction in Delhi. We have planned to take it across the length and breadth of the country–Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Ahmedabad.”
Khan, who has delivered great plays like Dinner with Friends, Tumhari Amrita and All the Best to his credit and even conquered the film industry with films like Gandhi, My Father, feels that the former can be a viable alternative to the latter. “I believe that theatre with musicals like Mughal-e-Azam can be a viable alternative to cinema. Audiences now are willing to spend money provided they get world class production. It’s a great time to raise the bar and recreating the theatre experience,” he further adds.
However, talking about the lack of space given to theatre in the society, he shares, “Theatre and theatre workers are very resilient and gutsy and they will survive, even thrive. What we need is infrastructure to nurture talent and create special work. Well-equipped theatres at affordable rates in large numbers and different sizes will be a great contribution to this noble art form.” But he stresses on perseverance and adds, “It’s a continuous riyaz. Theatre is hard work, huge insecurities and serious risks.”
Talking about his successful artistic journey and the credit he owes to, he says, “I have this etched deep in my heart and mind ‘Nothing fails like success’.Every time I do a new play, I begin all over again. Same fears, same hopes.”
At the end, he only smiles and says, “You will know soon,” when asked about his future plans.a