An enchanting musical portrayal of Lord Krishna’s life, Rajadhiraaj: Love, Life, Leela, has made its way to a cultural hub in Bandra, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative and vibrant performances. The creators behind this masterpiece, distinguished lyricist Prasoon Joshi, and composer duo Sachin-Jigar, delve into how their personal experiences and historical influences shaped this extraordinary musical.
Prasoon Joshi, who hails from Uttarakhand, shares his unique perspective on Lord Krishna. “In Uttarakhand, I’ve known Lord Krishna as Shrinathji, but I grew up celebrating him as Krishna Kanhaiya,” Joshi states. This distinction in how various regions of India perceive the same deity forms the crux of the musical’s depth. Joshi elaborates on how mythology’s authenticity is sustained across generations. “Our teachings are complex yet simple. Different poets portray Krishna diversely. While Meera sees him one way, Surdas tells his stories differently. Tulsidas and Surdas’s work, for instance, are a testament to this. Tulsidas’s devotion is depicted through servitude, whereas Surdas engages with Krishna as a friend, taking liberties in his writings. Neither can be criticized for their approach as they reflect the diverse relationship dynamics with the same deity.”
Composer duo Sachin-Jigar, who spent their childhood immersed in stories of Shrinathji, echo these sentiments. Their upbringing deeply influenced their contribution to this musical. “Our parents and grandparents sang these songs to us, which instilled in us a profound love for Krishna bhajans. This musical allowed us to express these influences creatively,” says Jigar Saraiya.
The musical’s authenticity is further elevated by incorporating regional sounds. Sachin Sanghvi expounds on their effort to bring out the musical essence of Dwarka, Vrindavan, and Mathura. “We involved local instrumentalists to infuse regional flavors. For Dwarka, we included Kutchi dhol players to evoke a Kutch influence. In Mathura’s narrative, North Indian instruments like the tabla, dholak, and shehnai were used. For Vrindavan, the flute was indispensable. The research for this was exhilarating, and Jigar and I thrive on such detailed explorations.”
Joshi’s multifaceted role as the scriptwriter, dialogue writer, and lyricist showcases his dedication.
. He drew inspiration from ancient poetry and consultations with scholars. “Writing the script was the easy part. My challenge was to be musically drawn into the project. I was resolute about maintaining linguistic sanctity while ensuring the words were appropriate for the mythology. The language had to resonate without becoming overly familiar or uncomfortable. I balanced my dual roles to honor the mythological context appropriately.”
The musical’s striking choreography complements its rich musicality, ensuring the audience is left with unforgettable moments. Set to run daily until September 1, Rajadhiraaj: Love, Life, Leela narrates Krishna’s life in a manner both vivid and relatable, connecting deeply with the cultural memories embedded in the audience’s consciousness.
Furthermore, Sachin-Jigar highlighted the unique blend of traditional and modern elements in the production. “We didn’t just stick to traditional bhajans. We wanted to broaden the appeal, so we infused contemporary musical styles while staying true to the classical roots. This balance was crucial to making the show feel both timeless and relevant,” Sachin Sanghvi added.
The journey of creating Rajadhiraaj: Love, Life, Leela was as fulfilling as it was challenging. “Every phase, from scripting to finalizing the score, was a labor of love. We had numerous sessions discussing how to stay true to the essence of Krishna while making the content engaging for today’s audience,” shares Joshi. His deep-seated admiration for the ancient poetry that inspired the dialogues and lyrics is evident in the musical’s textual and emotional richness.
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many lauding the production’s immersive experience. “We aimed to create an environment where viewers could feel as though they were part of Krishna’s world. The set design, lighting, and, of course, the music and choreography all contribute to this immersive experience,” Jigar Saraiya noted.
As the musical continues its run, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through music and poetry. It highlights how ancient tales can be reinvigorated with fresh perspectives, creating a bridge between the past and the present. Rajadhiraaj: Love, Life, Leela not only celebrates the multifaceted life of Lord Krishna but also showcases the collaborative effort of artists dedicated to preserving and innovating cultural narratives.
With their heartfelt devotion and creative artistry, Joshi and Sachin-Jigar have curated an experience that not only pays homage to Krishna’s legacy but also enriches the cultural tapestry of contemporary Indian art. This vibrant musical saga promises to leave an indelible mark on all who witness it.
