Raja ShivChhatrapati(Janata Raja)

1974 was the 300th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Maharaja Shivchatrapati Pratishthan planned a grand celebration to mark this historical event. Another popular element of Shivsrushti was a 22 min long musical re-enactment of the Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

 

Almost 100 artists performed this pre-recorded historical musical drama. It was the first successful experiment of this kind in Marathi theatre. Its music was composed by veteran music director Shri Vasant Desai and the lyrics were penned by Shri. Ashok Paranjape. The show was directed by acclaimed director Shri. Damu Kenkare and was written by none other than Shri. Babasaheb Purandare. Tremendous public response to this creation encouraged Babasaheb to write and produce a full length historical extravaganza to popularize and propagate the life and ideology of Shivaji Maharaj, and thus was born Janata Raja, one of the greatest theatre shows ever produced in India.

 

Often described as the greatest musical extravaganza ever produced in India, Janata Raja is a critically acclaimed musical opera based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The play recreates 17th century scenes, including Shivaji's coronation. The play is enacted against a massive replica of the Shaniwarwada- the seat of the Maratha empire in Pune, with clocklike precision against the background of splendid scenography & digitally recorded 4 track sound. Since 1985, Janata Raja has consistently showcased the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. In the last 32 years, it has clocked more than 1000 shows including London and Boston too. The opera is presented in two languages-Marathi & Hindi. Together, both the versions have been appreciated by more than one crore people!

This blog will feature stories and articles about this mega play that is one its own kind in Asia. It ranks second in the world in its genre.

 

The play gets the right historical feel for the audience with live horses, elephant and camels walking the stage. It begins at the Devgiri fort in Aurangabad and then moves to the forts in Pune and imbibes the principles of governance practiced by Shivaji, the transparency of his working, and virtues like his discipline amongst the youth. The splendor, magnificence, and sheer majesty of the historical play enthralls the audience like never before.