A Cultural Triumph In Karachi: Mauj Theatre's Ramayana Blends Tradition, Technology, And Tolerance

News18

17-07-2025

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By staging the Ramayana, Mauj has reclaimed a forgotten cultural symbiosis and boldly challenged the notion that Pakistani identity is divorced from Indic civilisational heritage
In an extraordinary fusion of classical heritage, cutting-edge technology, and cross-cultural dialogue, Karachi-based Mauj Theatre Group has made history by staging the Hindu epic Ramayana at the Karachi Arts Council from July 11 to 13, 2025. Directed by Yogeshwar Karera and produced by Rana Kazmi, this visually stunning and emotionally resonant performance not only pushed the boundaries of South Asian theatre—it also rekindled crucial conversations around shared heritage, pluralism, and religious harmony in the subcontinent.
At a time when cross-border narratives are often marred by hostility and polarisation, Mauj's courageous decision to adapt the Ramayana—a cornerstone of Hindu tradition—has emerged as a profound act of cultural diplomacy and collective healing.
Composed by sage Valmiki thousands of years ago, the Ramayana is more than just a Hindu scripture—it is a civilisational epic revered across South and Southeast Asia. Its themes of dharma (duty), exile, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil echo across religious boundaries, including Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, and Sufi Islamic traditions.
Though often seen through a religious lens, the Ramayana is fundamentally a universal tale of human struggle, ethical conflict, and moral resolution. Director Yogeshwar Karera aptly noted, 'To me, bringing the Ramayana to life on stage is not just a performance—it's a statement that Pakistani society is more pluralistic, tolerant, and inclusive than it is often portrayed to be."
This production carries added significance in Karachi, a city once known for its vibrant Hindu-Muslim coexistence before the trauma of Partition. By staging the Ramayana, Mauj has reclaimed a forgotten cultural symbiosis and boldly challenged the notion that Pakistani identity is divorced from Indic civilisational heritage.
Even Allama Iqbal, Pakistan's national poet, acknowledged the ethical grandeur of Lord Rama, referring to him as 'Imam-ul-Hind"—a moral exemplar for all South Asians, irrespective of religious identity.
AI Meets Epic: A Visual Feast for the Digital Age
One of the most captivating elements of Mauj's Ramayana was its pioneering integration of artificial intelligence to create a deeply immersive experience. AI-generated visuals—from golden palaces and floating mountains to enchanted forests and flying chariots—transported the audience into the world of ancient mythology through futuristic storytelling tools.
Combining interactive projections, digital scenography, dynamic lighting, and live music, the team crafted a performance that felt both timeless and modern. Critic Omair Alavi lauded the show as 'a top-class production that balances digital sophistication with deep emotional storytelling".
The cast brought the epic's characters to life with grace and depth:
Aamir Ali as Raja Dashrath
Waqas Akhtar as Laxman
Jibran Khan as Hanuman
Sana Toaha as Rani Kaikeyi
Ali Sher as Abhimantri
Rana Kazmi in a powerful gender-reversal role as Sita
Adding to the magic was Monica Ahmed, whose live vocals imbued the performance with spiritual resonance. Producer Rana Kazmi described it as 'a living, breathing tapestry of sound, visuals, and sentiment".
Bridging Faiths Through the Power of Art
In a Muslim-majority country where staging a Hindu epic could be viewed as controversial, Mauj's Ramayana was met not with resistance but with overwhelming public appreciation. The production defied stereotypes and offered a profound affirmation of cultural coexistence.
Yogeshwar Karera, confident in the people's understanding, remarked, 'I never feared backlash because I believe in the intelligence and heart of the people." His belief was validated by standing ovations, viral praise, and endorsements across religious lines.
One post on X captured the moment perfectly: 'In Karachi—a city of lost diversity—Pakistani artists brought the Ramayana to life. Enhanced by AI, this was not just theatre; it was a prayer for unity in a fragmented region."
Equally significant is how the play redefined patriotism. Rather than viewing the Ramayana as an 'Indian" or 'foreign" text, Mauj presented it as part of a shared subcontinental heritage that predates the India-Pakistan divide. In their hands, the Ramayana became a symbol of cultural continuity and unity, not conflict.
From Karachi to the World: A Growing Cultural Movement
This wasn't Mauj's first encounter with the Ramayana. An earlier version was staged in November 2024 at The Second Floor (T2F) in Karachi. But the July 2025 production—with upgraded technology, greater visibility, and wider acclaim—marked a major artistic leap.
Co-hosted by SOVAPA (School of Visual and Performing Arts), the play's Instagram highlights drew widespread attention and admiration. As of now, cultural institutions across Pakistan are showing interest in hosting the production, sparking talks of a national tour.
A Vision for the Subcontinent's Shared Future
In a region long divided by political disputes and historical trauma, Mauj Theatre's Ramayana stands as a shining example of unity through culture. It is a gentle but powerful reminder that art can bridge even the deepest divides, reviving empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect across borders.
As the curtain fell to thunderous applause on July 13, audiences in Karachi knew they had witnessed something truly historic. More than just a play, it was a reaffirmation of South Asia's composite identity, told through the eyes of today's artists and powered by the tools of tomorrow.
'Where There is Dharma, There is Victory'
By staging the Ramayana with integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, Mauj Theatre has not only elevated Pakistani theatre to new heights but has also helped reopen a vital cultural dialogue between India and Pakistan.
In an era of deepening division, Lord Rama—embodiment of truth, compassion, and justice—can serve as a shared symbol of peace for the entire Indian subcontinent. As a writer and cultural worker, I offer one sincere suggestion: the Government of India should consider inviting Mauj Theatre to perform this Ramayana on Indian soil, perhaps during Dussehra festivities or on the occasion of Ram Navami.
Such an invitation would not only recognise the artistic excellence of our Pakistani counterparts but also celebrate our common cultural heritage, our shared language, and the moral figure of Ram, who remains an ideal for billions across borders.
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Let this artistic gesture become a bridge of understanding, reminding us that long before lines were drawn on maps, our stories were always woven.
Shariq Adeeb Ansari is the national working president of the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views.
tags :
ai pakistan Ramayana
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Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 17, 2025, 19:15 IST
News opinion Opinion | A Cultural Triumph In Karachi: Mauj Theatre's Ramayana Blends Tradition, Technology, And Tolerance
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