Mughal-E-Azam: The Musical (Hindi, with sub-titles in English) is a stage adaptation of K. Asif’s timeless 1960 classic film "Mughal-E-Azam". Post its premiere in 2016, the musical has delighted audiences with over 275 performances across eight nations (India, Canada, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, UAE & USA).
With a cast and crew of over 150 people, over 250 lights illuminating the stage and 550 magnificent costumes, this grand production with live singing and a spectacular choreography has received critical acclaim, winning seven Broadway World India Awards in 2017, including the Best Play, Best Director, Best Original Choreography, Best Original Costume Design, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Original Lighting Design and Best Original Set Design.
The art forms in the musical play are Indian classical music and Kathak dance form, both of which are over 2000-year old art forms of India. Mughal-E-Azam is not only the first Broadway-style musical from India but also the biggest theatrical production the country has ever seen. The musical play is produced by Deepesh Salgia under the patronage of Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Pvt. Ltd. and is directed by Feroz Abbas Khan.
The play was part of the Times of India’s list of 50 soft powers of India that made India “Unstoppable India”. Some other inclusions in this list are UPI, Yoga, Ayurveda, Diwali, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra etc.
Emperor Akbar's (16th Century) longing for a son is fulfilled with the birth of Salim, a boy destined for greatness yet burdened by privilege. Due to a tumultuous childhood filled with disrespect and indulgence, he is sent to war, returning fourteen years later as a disciplined leader shaped by hardship.
Now a young man, Prince Salim finds himself captivated by Anarkali, a beautiful courtesan. Their love blossoms in secret - hidden from the watchful eyes of the royal court. However, Bahar, a dancer who harbours her own ambitions for the Prince's heart, uncovers their clandestine affair. Consumed by jealousy, she reveals the truth to Emperor Akbar. Enraged by the thought of his son’s love for someone deemed unworthy, Akbar’s royal pride and his responsibility towards the kingdom lead him to imprison Anarkali.
Determined to rescue the woman he loves, Salim declares a war against his father, challenging the very foundations of the empire. The ensuing conflict between Emperor Akbar and Salim not only tests the bonds of family but also alters the destiny of all within the kingdom. Anarkali questions that being a courtesan, does she not have right to make love? Emperor Akbar faces a deep conflict as he navigates his responsibilities towards the empire and his devotion as a father. Salim’s mother (Jodha Bai) faces a difficult dilemma as her husband and her son take defiant positions. The drama reaches a new high as the defiance and uncompromising love threaten the existence and future of the Mughal Empire.
This enchanting play is presented through spectacular choreography, live singing, opulent costumes, magnificent performances and grand production. It is performed in Hindi with sub-titles in English.
Winner
Mughal-e-Azam
Mughal-e-Azam
Feroz Abbas Khan
Mayuri Upadhyay
Manish Malhotra
David Lander
Neil Patel
The first Broadway-style musical from India.
550 costumes have been painstakingly designed by Manish Malhotra.
The cast and crew travel with a team of 150 and 4 containers carrying the sets and stage properties of the play.
Songs from the original film are performed live.
From the Political Leaders to Bureaucrats and from Bollywood to the Corporate World, all have been enthralled by the show.
Mughal-E-Azam (1960) is considered as the biggest film India has ever produced. Mughal-E-Azam: The Musical (2016) is the biggest theatrical production from India.
The film was originally produced in 1960 by Shapoorji Pallonji. The same company also released its colour version in 2004. And the musical play has also been produced under the patronage of the same company.
The show is a winner of 7 Broadway World India Awards 2017, including the Best Play, Best Director, Best Original Choreography, Best Original Costume Design, Best Ensemble Cast, Best Original Lighting Design and Best Original Set Design.
Until 2024, the play has had over 275 sold out performances across eight countries, namely India, Canada, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, UAE and USA.
The play was part of the Times of India’s list of 50 soft powers of India that made India “Unstoppable India”. Some other inclusions in this list are UPI, Yoga, Ayurveda, Diwali, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra etc.
The play is performed in Hindi with sub-titles in English