Umrao Jaan Ada play: Irfan Siddiqui and Pratibha Singh Baghel create magic with their brilliant performance

Play: Umrao Jaan Ada – The Musical

Director: Rajeev Goswami

Lyrics: Shahryar/Irfan Siddiqui

Music: Khayyam Saab/Salim-Sulaiman

Cast: Pratibha Singh Baghel

Theatre: Dubai Opera Main Auditorium

Runtime: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ratings:

Umrao Jaan is the story of a young girl named Amiran, who is kidnapped and sold in a red light area in Lucknow. There, she is renamed Umrao Jaan and trained as a courtesan, mastering poetry, music, and dance. As she grows into a celebrated figure, she longs for love and dignity but is bound by her circumstances. Umrao forms a deep attachment to Nawab Sultan, but their love remains unfulfilled, as he marries another woman. She experiences heartbreak and betrayal, yet continues to express her emotions through her poetry. Throughout her life, Umrao faces societal judgment and struggles with her identity. Despite her success, she remains emotionally isolated and yearns for a life of respect. As she ages, Umrao reflects on the past, realizing that her fame has come at the cost of personal happiness. Ultimately, the story highlights the tensions between personal desires and societal expectations, portraying a woman’s resilience and search for meaning. A new facet of Umrao Jaan’s life is shown at the grand play in Dubai and read on to know more about its beauty.

Umrao Jaan, the celebrated tale of love, loss, and resilience, has been adapted to the stage with breathtaking elegance, capturing the essence of Mirza Hadi Ruswa’s iconic novel. From the very first scene, the production captivates the audience with its striking visuals—opulent sets, period costumes, and the delicate atmosphere of 19th-century Lucknow. The detailed portrayal of the era’s aristocratic culture, with its lush musical compositions by Shahryar, Khayyam Saab and Salim-Sulaiman serves as a character in itself.

Talking of performance, Pratibha Singh Baghel wins hearts with her sheer elegance. The act overall proves to be a magical saga that shouldn’t be missed.