Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : Aadyam Theatre, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Group, staged its most vibrant production in the capital — The Dragon Rose Project’s Mumbai Star, a dazzling dance musical that captured the pulse and poetry of Mumbai. After a blockbuster premiere in its namesake city, the show arrived in Delhi for two days in June 2025 at Kamani Auditorium, delivering what became the theatre event of the season. The play, originally produced as a project by the Min-On Concert Association, Tokyo, Japan, and staged by The Dragon Rose Project, Mumbai Star, is not just a show — it’s a full-bodied celebration of Mumbai itself. A city of contrasts, chaos, beauty, and beat — and a magnet for those chasing a dream. Produced by original writer Devika Shahani, the script has been reimagined with a fresh perspective by long-time Aadyam collaborators Akarsh Khurana and Arghya Lahiri.
Directed by Nadir Khan and choreographed by Avantika Bahl, with contributions from guest choreographers—Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Vidushi Uma Dogra, Krutika Mehta, and Vivaran Dhasmana—Mumbai Star unfolded as a sprawling dance drama, a heady mix of storytelling, stylised movement, and musical theatre. It wove together bold choreography, sharp visuals, and raw emotion to tell a tale of dreams, determination, and destiny.
Nadir Khan, a distinguished director, actor, producer, and radio professional, has been a prominent figure in the Indian theatre industry since 1998. His expertise seamlessly weaves together action, dance, lighting, and sound, showcasing his remarkable skill in stagecraft. Renowned internationally for his directorial finesse, Khan brings a unique vision to his productions.
Speaking about Mumbai Star, Khan describes it as a dance musical that celebrates dance and dancers while embracing a theatrical format. Through the use of narrators, the production tells a compelling story, blending movement, music, and lyrics with theatrical elements to create an immersive experience.
With a 19-track original score by Dhruv Ghanekar and lyrics by Ishitta Arun, the show presented an eclectic album, ranging from orchestral overtures and folk percussion to hip hop and soaring ballads. While the studio version showcased celebrated artists such as Sunidhi Chauhan, Nakash Aziz, Kunal Ganjawala, Ravi Chary, and Stony Psyko, the stage performances elevated each song with breathtaking precision, expressive depth, and theatrical flair. The powerhouse dancers and ensemble brought every track to life, transforming music into movement with striking energy and emotion.
Featuring a stellar cast—including Avenav Mukherjee, Abhishek Choksi, Arushi Nigam, Jayesh Sarange, and associate choreographer Surabhi Andrade—Mumbai Star unfolded through a series of high-impact, emotive dance sequences. Adding a powerful theatrical dimension to the storytelling were seasoned actors Rajit Kapur and Srishti Shrivastava, who narrated and guided the audience through the unfolding drama, lending depth and resonance to the production.
The storyline of the play: At the heart of the story is Dev, a gifted young dancer from a small coastal village in Maharashtra. Added to his mother’s dream and his unwavering passion, he arrives in Mumbai with little more than hope in his heart and rhythm in his soul. Drawn to the city’s promise of opportunity, Dev sets his sights on Mumbai Star, a prestigious dance competition that could be his ticket to fame and a better life.
What follows is not just a contest, but a life-changing journey — one that takes Dev through the soaring highs of ambition and the crushing lows of disappointment. As he navigates the dazzling world of showbiz, he must also confront its darker realities: fierce rivalries, personal sacrifices, and the true cost of chasing dreams. Along the way, he forms a profound bond with a mentor who not only hones his talent but also serves as his guiding light, helping him stay true to himself amidst the chaos.
This is a story of dance, yes — but more deeply, it’s a story of resilience, identity, and the quiet strength it takes to rise, fall, and rise again.
In terms of performances, Avenav Mukherjee, portraying the young Dev, undergoes a striking transformation as he immerses himself in the study of Kathak under the choreography of Uma Dogra. His progression is evident, blossoming into a dazzling performer with precise, clean lines and mesmerizing rhythms.
Meanwhile, his teacher—the revered ustad Abhishek Choksi—delivers a dynamic interpretation, embodying a more intense style of Kathak. The ensemble work maintains a thrilling pace, with some dancers exuding a more contemporary flair. Yet, the overall synchronization remains seamless.
Avenav Mukherjee, a versatile artist trained in Kathak under guru Smt. Geetanjali Lal excels as a choreographer, actor, celebrity trainer, and TEDx speaker. Known for his work in musicals, dance ballets, and theatre, he is an empanelled artist with Doordarshan and Spic Macay. He also shares his expertise by teaching Indian classical dance to underprivileged youth.
He spoke about how he prepared for the role of Dev and the challenges faced in portraying:
To nail my role, I honed my acting skills through script immersion and collaborative workshops with the director and choreographer. Mastering various dance styles, from hip-hop to contemporary, was a challenge. Plus, the 90-minute show required building my endurance and strength to maintain high energy throughout.
Speaking about his experience working with the director and other cast members and their support, he said, Initially, I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces, but within a week, we bonded like family. Sharing meals, intense rehearsals, and collective energy created a strong camaraderie. We became attuned to each other’s gestures, reacting seamlessly on stage. Working with Nadir was transformative – his visionary approach inspired us to share his perspective. I’m grateful for the experience and would love to collaborate with him again. His direction not only enhanced my performance but also grew me as an artist.
The play explores themes of ambition, resilience, and identity. On asking how he thinks Dev’s story resonates with audiences, and what message he hopes they take away, he answered impactfully, “As an artist with similar dreams, I deeply resonated with the story. I poured my own emotions into the narrative, making it feel authentic and raw. This story celebrates the universal themes of joy, love, and meaningful relationships. It’s a heartwarming reminder that bonds formed in our formative years can last a lifetime, transcending fame and success.”
Mumbai Star – The Dance Musical, produced by Aadyam Theatre, seamlessly weaves music, dance, and storytelling into a dynamic theatrical spectacle. Through an array of dance styles—Kathak, Bollywood, and hip-hop—it explores themes of ambition, success, and the price of fame.
With electrifying performances and a vibrant fusion of musical styles, the artists of Aadyam, the production, captivate audiences while prompting deeper reflection. While some may contend that familiar tropes and theatrical extravagance temper its originality, the sheer energy and immersive experience ensure that Mumbai Star remains a mesmerizing and unforgettable show.
Now in its seventh season, Aadyam Theatre remains a driving force in Indian theatre, celebrating bold, original voices and crafting performances that are immersive, unforgettable, and deeply connected to contemporary culture. Through its thoughtfully curated productions, it continues to push artistic boundaries, fostering innovation while honoring theatrical tradition.
