No one can predict on how you come across divinity. No best laid plans can prepare you for the unthinkable, unexpected. During a random scrolling in Instagram, I found a wonderful clip of Sourabh Raaj Jain dancing as Krishna with Gopis. Ever inquisitive I dug a little more and found that this is part of a dramatical Mere Krishn. Instantly I was searching for the next show in Bengaluru and instinctively booked my tickets (knowing that the date had some pre-commitments that I can’t escape from). Come the day, all events concluded on time and I eagerly looked forward to the event. What I didn’t expect was the magic that was to unfold.
First, a note about the venue : Prestige Center for Performing Arts (PCPA) - A magnificent venue with comfortable seating, excellent sound design and absolutely first-class experience.
At the start, the voice over at the starting requested everyone NOT to record during the show, but to feel it. Experience the show internally (Anubhuti) and perhaps, Krishna will speak to you. Before I write more about the show, there is definitely a need for us to stop being crazy about recording inspite of multiple requests from the makers. Repeatedly during the show, I saw may recording on their devices which was being highlighted by the volunteers through green beams. How difficult is it to adhere to a simple request? Can’t we just take a picture or two and be contended?
This is a first for me. I haven’t experienced a dramatical in such a setting. The makers have put in a LOT of HARDWORK and EFFORT into the making of the show. During many instances, we have the characters walking down from a top level so that people can view them up close and experience the magic.
The show is PURE KRISHNA LEELA with a lot of backdrop of Mahabharata. The dialogues are written in poetic manner and many a times felt very thought provoking - as if the character saying these words is holding a mirror to the modern society. The graphics used to create the backdrops for various scenes is WORLD CLASS. I particularly loved the world of Yogamaya - The graphics was out of this world. Similarly, the illusion of Krishna to Kamsa was brilliantly done.
Every single scene was so touching and divine, I felt I was transported to a ring side view of Mahabharata. Truly words fail me to describe the immense joy and happiness at being part of such an experience.
Sourabh Raaj Jain - My new favourite Krishna. Growing up with Dr. Nitish Bharadwaj as Krishna, I couldn’t quite accept someone else to be as good as him. However, Sourabh Raaj Jain is truly Krishna Personified. I feel he has surrendered himself to the role and I believe he has been blessed by Krishna himself to carry his message to the world. Pooja Sharma as Yogamaya / Radha was absolutely brilliant. Her dialogue delivery is absolutely spot on with right accentuations at the right spots. Arpit Ranka - I am totally awe of his professionalism and his commitment to the art. He was battling a serious leg injury, yet completed the show with his menacing presence. Simply Brilliant.
When the show ended very late (around 1130 pm), we weren’t sleepy or tired. Just wanting more to savour the Raas of his Leela. Of course, we were the lucky ones to be part of the 75th show. The makers have a grand dream of taking it to 1008 shows with a name of Krishna dedicated in every show.
Don’t miss this excellent show when it plays in a town near you. For Bengalurians, next show will happen on Dec 25, 26 and 27. Book your tickets on District by Zomato.
Comments