‘Janata Raja’, an ode to Shivaji’s valour to be staged in Lucknow from Oct 26

Real horses, camels and elephants, and a fort in the backdrop will make theatre experience even more interesting for audience in Lucknow as over 300 artistes will stage ‘Janata Raja’, a Marathi mega-play based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The play that recreates 17th century scenes, will be recreating Shivaji’s era with a replica of Shaniwarwada-the seat of the Maratha empire in Pune. The play will be staged daily at Janeshwar Mishra park from October 26 to 31 at 4 pm.

For the play, two elephants are being transported from Bundelkhand while camels and horses would be arranged locally from Lucknow.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath also appreciated the efforts made by the Divya Prem Sewa Mission from Haridwar for staging the play in Uttar Pradesh. “The play that will be staged in the state will motivate lakhs of people. It’s a wonderful play that connects people and we all should connect to it,” said the CM.

Divya Prem Sewa Mission is a wing of Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh.

“In all, 280 artistes from Marathi theatre and some local artistes will also be given space in the play that stretches up to 3.30 hours,” said Prithviraj, one of the coordinators of the play.

The stage and light will be set in a manner that viewers will be able to get a glimpse of the Maratha era.

This six-act play is based on the works of eminent historian and Padma Vibhushan awardee Babasaheb Purandare.

Shatrudra Pratap, an RSS pracharak said, “Around 15,000 people would be coming to watch the show daily. We want to make this show a memorable one and thus our team of artistes is practicing hard.”

“Through the recreation of 17th century scenes, we would be displaying the era before Shivaji Maharaj’s birth, his style of (holding) trials, and how he became a Maratha ruler. Afzal Khan’s killing, his escape from Agra and the thrilling coronation ceremony will make this play different from others,” he said.

“Lucknowites are going to watch one of the greatest historical plays depicting the life and works of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is highly revered, not only in Maharashtra but all over India,” said Ajeet Apte who plays role of Aurangzeb and Kavi Bhushan in the play.

Prashant Bhatia, another RSS pracharak said, “A grand five-storeyed moving stage is being made and Lucknowites will also see an exceptional sound and lighting system in the play.”

Joint commissioner of police Upendra Agarwal said, “We have been informed about the assembly of 15,000 spectators daily at Janeshwar Mishra Park. Besides, there would be a group of over 250 artistes and we have arranged additional security around the park.”

Meanwhile, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation and LDA have been directed to keep the area clean and conduct fogging, while the Jal Sansthan has been directed to arrange tankers of potable water for those coming to see the play.

The district administration has also directed the health department to keep ambulances on alert mode inside the park to meet any cases of medical emergencies.