
Nahyan bin Mubarak praises art, creativity at Grand Finale of Global Musical 'Rajadhiraaj' in Dubai
17 Mar 2025 22:08
DUBAI (WAM)Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the grand finale of the spectacular musical 'Rajadhiraaj – Love. Life. Leela,' the world's first and largest theatrical musical depicting the life of Shri Krishna. The performance took place at the Dubai Opera on the evening of March 16.Amid a massive audience, the Dubai Opera hall was packed with spectators eager to witness this remarkable artistic production, which has redefined Indian theater with a Broadway-style approach, delivering an unprecedented visual and musical experience that blends deep cultural heritage with modern theatrical techniques.Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak delivered a speech on this occasion, expressing his profound admiration for the creativity and artistic excellence showcased in the production while commending all those involved in organizing and executing this exceptional cultural event.He said, 'It is a great pleasure to be here with you this evening. Over the past few nights, the people of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates have had the opportunity to enjoy this exceptional performance, the world's first and largest musical on Shri Krishna. I congratulate all those involved in organizing this wonderful event and extend a warm welcome to all the artists and creators who contributed to bringing this masterpiece to life. I applaud your authenticity, creativity, and love for life and art.'He continued, 'Lord Krishna's world is one of love, compassion, protection, fraternity, peace, and harmony. By bringing this magnificent musical to the UAE, you reaffirm our nation's commitment to these universal values that unite us all. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is committed to promoting human values, respecting human rights, and ensuring dignity for all who live on our land. His Highness has called upon nations worldwide to work towards achieving regional and international stability, security, and peace, as well as to foster development and stability for the world's people.'Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak further pointed out, 'The core values of the UAE are further reinforced by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, who stated that the benefits of unity in the country have reached all people, wherever they are—whether in cities, rural areas, or among the Bedouins—positively impacting all aspects of life.'He emphasised, 'By presenting this extraordinary show in Dubai, you highlight the UAE's aspirations to be a society based on truthfulness, compassion, humility, love for God, and liberation from negative behaviors. Additionally, this theatrical production showcases India's remarkable achievements in arts and culture, reflecting its rich heritage. It also underscores our shared pride and deep-rooted friendship between India and the United Arab Emirates, which we trust will continue to grow stronger, serving our mutual aspirations for a more peaceful world.'Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak stressed the importance of art as a universal language, stating, 'It is often said that art is the universal language of humanity, and the people of India have mastered this language with remarkable skill. Through your artistic excellence, creativity, and dedication, you strengthen mutual understanding between our cultures in entertaining, enlightening, and inspiring ways. Moreover, you challenge us to develop qualities that empower us and enhance our ability to make a positive impact on our communities and the world.'He concluded his speech by saying, 'Tonight, we appreciate the fundamental role that art and music play in fostering positive relationships between nations and contributing to global peace and harmony. On behalf of everyone present, I extend my deepest gratitude to all the performers, writers, composers, directors, designers, costume creators, choreographers, and everyone involved in making this extraordinary theatrical production possible. Thank you for your breathtaking talents and your dedication to the universal language of art.'The 'Rajadhiraaj – Love. Life. Leela' musical witnessed an overwhelming response over six consecutive nights at the Dubai Opera, with full-house audiences eager to experience this unique theatrical journey. The production masterfully combined spiritual depth with theatrical professionalism, offering a mesmerising experience of live music, exceptional choreography, and stunning visual effects.The musical features a cast of over 180 artists, 60 dancers, 1,800 custom-designed costumes, and 20 original songs, creating an unforgettable theatrical experience. The show received widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike, who praised the high-caliber performances, stage direction, production design, and intricate choreography, making it a groundbreaking event that seamlessly merges India's cultural heritage with modern theatrical innovation.This exceptional cultural and artistic event further cements Dubai's status as a global hub for arts and creativity, offering a platform for world-class performances that celebrate diversity and bring civilisations together.Moreover, the show reflects the UAE's unwavering commitment to fostering a future driven by tolerance, coexistence, and cultural openness, solidifying its reputation as a centre for artistic innovation and a beacon of global cultural dialogue.
With this remarkable success, Dubai's cultural landscape continues to shine, attracting artists, creators, and audiences from all over the world. The emirate remains a vibrant cultural powerhouse, embracing creativity and showcasing its dedication to artistic excellence, tolerance, and modernity that define the spirit of the United Arab Emirates.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Broadway has finally found its Gen Z audience — by telling Gen Z stories
Kimberly Belflower knew 'John Proctor is the Villain' needed its final cathartic scene to work — and, for that, it needed Lorde's 'Green Light.' 'I literally told my agent, 'I would rather the play just not get done if it can't use that song,'' the playwright laughed. She wrote Lorde a letter, explaining what the song meant, and got her green light. Starring Sadie Sink, the staggering play about high schoolers studying 'The Crucible' as the #MeToo movement arrives in their small Georgia town, earned seven Tony nominations, including best new play — the most of any this season. It's among a group of Broadway shows that have centered the stories of young people and attracted audiences to match. Sam Gold's Brooklyn-rave take on 'Romeo + Juliet,' nominated for best revival of a play and led by Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler with music from Jack Antonoff, drew the youngest ticket-buying audience recorded on Broadway, producers reported, with 14% of ticket purchasers aged 18-24, compared to the industry average of 3%. The shows share some DNA: pop music (specifically the stylings of Antonoff, who also produced 'Green Light'), Hollywood stars with established fanbases and stories that reflect the complexity of young adulthood. 'It was very clear that young people found our show because it was doing what theater's supposed to do,' Gold said. 'Be a mirror.' Rachel Zegler (right) and Kit Connor, during a performance of 'Romeo + Juliet' in New York. Associated Press The themes 'John Proctor' investigates aren't danced around (until they literally are). The girls are quick to discuss #MeToo's impact, intersectional feminism and autonomy. Their conversations, true to teenage girlhood, are laced with comedy and pop culture references — Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, 'Twilight,' and, of course, Lorde. Fina Strazza, 19, portrays Beth, a leader who is whip-smart and well-intentioned — but whose friendships and belief system are shaken by the play's revelations. 'You have so much empathy and are so invested in her, but she still has these mishaps and slip-ups that young people often have,' said Strazza, nominated for best featured actor in a play. Some audience members have given her letters detailing how Beth helped them forgive themselves for how they handled similar experiences. The script is written in prose, with frequent line breaks and infrequent capital letters. Director Danya Taymor, nominated for best direction of a play a year after winning a Tony for another teenage canon classic, 'The Outsiders, ' was drawn to that rhythm — and how Belflower's depiction of adolescence captured its intensity, just as S.E. Hinton had. 'There's something about the teenage years that is so raw,' Taymor said. 'None of us can escape it.' During his Tony-winning production of 'An Enemy of the People,' Gold found himself having conversations with young actors and theatergoers about climate change, politics and how 'theatre was something that people their age and younger really need in a different way, as the world is becoming so addicted to technology,' he said. That conjured 'Romeo and Juliet.' The original text 'has it all in terms of what it means to inherit the future that people older than you have created,' Gold said. Alyah Chanelle Scott (left), Kathryn Gallagher and Julia Lester appear in a scene from 'All Nighter' in New York. Associated Press Building the world of this show, with an ensemble under 30, was not unlike building 'An Enemy of the People,' set in 19th century Norway, Gold said: 'I think the difference is that the world that I made for this show is something that a very hungry audience had not gotten to see.' Fans, Gold correctly predicted, were ravenous. Demand ahead of the first preview prompted a preemptive extension. Word (and bootleg video) of Connor doing a pullup to kiss Zegler made the rounds. 'Man of the House,' an Antonoff-produced ballad sung by Zegler mid-show, was released as a single. With the show premiering just before the US presidential election, Voters of Tomorrow even registered new voters in the lobby. Audiences proved willing to pay: Average ticket prices hovered around $150. Cheaper rush and lottery tickets drew lines hours before the box office opened. Every week but one sold out. 'The show was initially really well sold because we had a cast that appealed to a really specific audience,' said producer Greg Nobile of Seaview Productions. 'We continued to see the houses sell out because these audiences came, and they were all over online talking about the ways in which they actually felt seen.' Thomas Laub, 28, and Alyah Chanelle Scott, 27, started Runyonland Productions for that very reason. 'We both felt a lot of frustration with the industry, and the ways that we were boxed out of it as students in Michigan who were able to come to New York sparingly,' Laub said. Runyonland was launched in 2018 with the premise that highlighting new, bold voices would bring change. Producing 'John Proctor,' Scott said, gave Runyonland the opportunity to target that audience on a Broadway scale. Belflower developed the show with students as part of a The Farm College Collaboration Project. It's been licensed over 100 times for high school and college productions. The Broadway production's social and influencer marketing is run by 20-somethings, too. Previews attracted fans with a $29 ticket lottery. While average prices jumped to over $100 last week (still below the Broadway-wide average), $40 rush, lottery and standing room tickets have sold out most nights, pushing capacity over 100%. The success is validating Runyonland's mission, Laub said. 'Alyah doesn't believe me that I cry every time at the end,' Laub said. Scott laughs. 'I just want to assure you, on the record, that I do indeed cry every time.' Associated Press


Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
What is Ananya Panday day dreaming about while sweating it out in the gym?
Bollywood actress Ananya Panday took to social media to reveal what she's been daydreaming about at the gym. Taking to Instagram, the 'Student of the Year' actress shared a series of photos and captioned it, 'At the gym but day dreaming of other things.' The first image shows Ananya taking a selfie at the gym, where she is seen flaunting her washboard abs. In the next shot, she looks glamorous in an off-shoulder dress. Other images feature plants arranged on a balcony, a building, sweet delicacies, an airplane, a swimming pool, and a stunning, peaceful night view of the sea. Ananya Panday also uses Instagram to share professional updates. On June 2, she announced the release date of her upcoming film, 'Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri.' She posted a picture of herself and co-star Kartik Aaryan sharing a kiss behind an Indian passport. The romantic drama 'Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri' is slated to hit theatres on Feb.13, 2026. The film reunites Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, who last shared screen space in the 2019 hit 'Pati Patni Aur Woh.' Notably, this project also signifies a fresh beginning for Kartik and Dharma Productions, following their past fallout over 'Dostana 2.' With this film, Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan appear to have moved past their differences, signaling a renewed professional relationship. Ananya was last seen playing the role of lawyer Dilreet Gill in 'Kesari Chapter 2,' which also featured Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan. Her portrayal of a lawyer earned appreciation from both critics and audiences, who commended the conviction and nuance she brought to the character. This was the first time Panday appeared in a non-glamorous avatar. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and produced by Dharma Productions, the historical drama was adapted from the book 'The Case That Shook The Empire,' which focuses on C. Sankaran Nair and the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. Meanwhile, Ananya paid a heartfelt tribute to her father, Chunky Panday during the 23rd edition of the Zee Cine Awards. The diva left her dad surprised with a heartfelt performance, which she had been planning with her mother, Bhavana Pandey. During the performance, Ananya was joined by Chunky as they tapped a foot together on his popular track, 'Main Tera Tota' from the 1989 drama 'Paap Ki Duniya'. The father and daughter duo set the stage on fire with their scintillating chemistry. Their wholesome performance even left Bhavana teary-eyed. Talking about her special performance, Ananya said, 'I've grown up watching my dad light up people's lives with his work, and this performance was my way of saying thank you — not just to him as an artist, but as the incredible father who's always been my biggest supporter. Mom and I had been planning this surprise for so long and keeping it, a secret wasn't easy! Every time I rehearsed at home, he'd walk by looking confused, wondering what I was up to. Seeing his reaction tonight made it all worth it.' Indo-Asian News Service


Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Filipino Times
‘Wicked: For Good' trailer offers first look at magical finale
Universal Pictures has released the official trailer for 'Wicked: For Good,' offering audiences their first look at the highly anticipated final chapter of the 'Wicked' film series. The movie is scheduled to premiere in Philippine cinemas on November 19. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film continues the untold story of the witches of Oz. It follows the events of 2024's 'Wicked,' which became the most successful Broadway musical adaptation in cinematic history, grossing $750 million worldwide and earning 10 Academy Award nominations. Directed by Jon M. Chu, who returns after helming the first installment, 'Wicked: For Good' opens with Elphaba and Glinda estranged, facing the political and personal fallout of their choices. The film promises an emotional and visually spectacular conclusion to the journey that began on the Broadway stage and captured global audiences on screen. 'And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend,' the trailer quotes. The screenplay was written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, based on the Broadway musical's book and Gregory Maguire's bestselling novel. The musical score features work by Stephen Schwartz, with additional composition by John Powell. The first 'Wicked' film earned Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design and drew praise for its performances, musical adaptation, and visual style.