A musical tale from Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s era
Delhiites will have an enriching experience this weekend when the court of Wajid Ali Shah — the last nawab of Oudh and a connoisseur of the arts — will get resurrected through a musical production titled Indra Sabha.
This performance by 36 artists in mujra, nautanki and Kathak-style is based on the rich heritage of thumri, dadra and ghazal. It provides a glimpse into the regal splendour. “Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s contribution to Kathak and raas-leela of Vrindavan was a lot, he himself used to become Krishna in raas-leela with his court dancers. He respected classical dancers, musicians and singers because he himself was an artist,” says Padma Bhushan Uma Sharma, who has conceptualised and choreographed the show.
It’s said the nawab’s passion for poetry, music, dance and drama was so great that he not only created musicals but also portrayed the main parts in them. Indra Sabha is one of the two musicals that he created; the other one is named Rahas. Sharma adds, “This script of Indra Sabha was given to me by late Mulk Raj Anand, written by Amanat Ali in 1852. The script carries drama, a love story and dance with thumri gayaki. I started working on Indra Sabha in January 2018. My disciples are participating with professional actors.”
The fantasy Indra Sabha had four apsaras — four gems of the royal court namely, the Pukhraj Pari (Topaz), Neelam Pari (Sapphire), Lal Pari (Ruby) and Sabz Pari (Emerald). Indra gets infuriated when he learns of the love affair between Sabz Pari and a mortal prince Gulfaam on earth; he banishes them. Kaal Deo pleads with Indra to forgive them and he relents.
Radhika Shah, a senior disciple of Sharma and lead dancer in Indra Sabha, says “This production carries bhav batana, acting and dance, and it’s lovely to be a part of it.”