A modern-day retelling of Mahabharata through blend of music and mantras
Pune: Telling the tales from Mahabharata in song, "Jaya - The Victory!" promises to transport audiences into the heart of India's most revered epic but through a more contemporary path.
To be staged at The Poona Club on Feb 22, this musical is a labour of love that was revived by Lillete Dubey after a decade-long hiatus.
Reflecting on the play's journey, Dubey said, "In 1998, I opened the play in Mumbai, and all the celebrities came to see it. Vishal Dadlani played the role of Krishna. From Shyam Benegal to Yash Chopra, everyone was blown away by the musical as they had not seen Mahabharata performed in this way before."
Mar 16, 2025, 19:45 IST
Over the last three years, the revived production with a new cast, music, set, and costumes captivated audiences across India with over 20 houseful shows in different cities. Recasting the show, Dubey handpicked a stellar cast of professional singers and actors, ensuring that the production's musical prowess matches its dramatic depth.
At its core lies the perspective of Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava brother, whose "experiments with truth" are juxtaposed against the contrasting beliefs of Duryodhana's pursuit of victory at any cost and Karna's fatalistic acceptance of destiny. This dramatic montage is brought to life through a seamless blend of music, mantras, Krishna's flute, and thunderous beats of Kallari drums, creating a modern-day retelling that resonates with audiences across generations.
A modern-day retelling of the Mahabharata through a blend of music and mantras could be a powerful, immersive experience that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary storytelling. Here's how it could be structured:
Title: "Dharmayudh: The Eternal Symphony"
Concept:
A musical adaptation of Mahabharata, where the story unfolds through a fusion of classical Indian ragas, electronic beats, and Sanskrit mantras. Each character's journey is expressed through unique musical motifs, blending tradition with modernity.
Narrative Structure & Musical Themes
Act 1: Creation & Destiny (Ambient + Classical Ragas)
Brahma's Song of Creation: A deep, meditative chant introducing the cosmic order, blending primordial sounds with resonant mantras.
The Kuru Dynasty Rises: A mix of orchestral strings and Hindustani classical vocals, narrating the lineage of Hastinapur.
Shakuni’s Manipulation: Dark, pulsating beats with whispered mantras, symbolizing deceit and power struggles.
Act 2: Dharma vs. Adharma (Rock + Devotional Chants)
Draupadi’s Vow: A haunting blend of Carnatic vocal riffs and powerful percussion, embodying her anger and strength.
Krishna’s Counsel to Arjuna (Bhagavad Gita): A crescendo of electronic fusion with the sacred Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya mantra, creating a divine and introspective moment.
Act 3: War & Redemption (High-Energy Percussion + Soulful Melodies)
Kurukshetra War: Thunderous mridangam, taiko drums, and electric guitar riffs, symbolizing the chaos of battle.
Karna’s Fall: A sorrowful violin solo, merging with the Gayatri Mantra, signifying his tragic fate.
Yudhishthira’s Final Journey: A transcendental fusion of sitar, flute, and Gregorian-style chants, symbolizing his ascension to Swarga.
Performance Style
Visuals: Digital projections of ancient scrolls merging with futuristic animations.
Choreography: A mix of Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance, expressing the characters' emotions.
Live Music: A blend of traditional instruments (veena, tabla, flute) with modern synthesizers and rock elements.
Why It Works?
Universal Appeal: Mantras hold spiritual depth, while contemporary music makes the epic accessible to all generations.
Musical Innovation: Classical ragas bring emotion, while electronic and rock elements create an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Philosophical Depth: The fusion enhances the timeless wisdom of Mahabharata, making it relevant in today’s world.