Bareilly: An enchanting staging of the dance drama ‘Jodha Akbar’ was presented by the Kathak gurus and students of SRMS Riddhima, leaving the audience captivated with its powerful blend of dance, music, emotion and cultural harmony.
The production beautifully portrayed the timeless story of love, mutual respect and unity between Rajput princess Jodha and Mughal emperor Akbar. Through expressive performances and graceful choreography, the presentation highlighted how two individuals from different faiths and backgrounds built a relationship rooted in understanding and humanity.
The performance opened with a grand royal court scene that recreated the splendour of the Rajput era through traditional folk music, vibrant costumes and classical dance sequences. Scenes depicting Jodha’s deep devotion to Lord Krishna featured soulful bhajans, graceful movements and emotionally rich performances that touched the audience deeply.
In contrast, Akbar’s royal court was brought alive through regal settings, Sufi-inspired music and glimpses of Mughal culture. One of the most impactful moments of the drama showcased a heated debate between Maulvis and Pandits in Akbar’s court over religious beliefs and traditions. The scene gradually intensified into conflict, creating tension within the palace. The artists delivered the sequence with remarkable acting, dialogue delivery and dramatic expression.
The narrative then moved towards a message of peace and coexistence as Akbar and Queen Jodha attempted to reconcile both sides by emphasising that religion is meant to unite humanity, not divide it. Akbar’s dialogue that “there may be different paths to reach God, but the ultimate purpose is humanity and love” formed the emotional core of the production.
The final scene concluded on a note of harmony, with the Pandits and Maulvis resolving their differences through mutual understanding and respect.
Adding further charm to the evening, Kathak students performed on popular compositions including Kesariya Balma, Sundar Gori Re, Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni Re, Khwaja Mere Khwaja and devotional sequences depicting Jodha’s Krishna worship. Dance performances featuring Akbar and Jodha together were also warmly appreciated by the audience.
Kathak guru Devjyoti Naskar portrayed the role of Emperor Akbar, while Kathak guru Riyashree Chatterjee played Queen Jodha. Nitara Luthra appeared as young Jodha. The ensemble cast included students Anshu Sharma, Gaurika, Avni Bhasin, Avni Agrawal, Kayra, Anaya, Vivaksha, Yutika, Trishika, Ayat, Navaya, Nitya, Meera, Gurnoor, Kshama, Tripta, Madhur and Nidhi, who performed as court dancers.
Devisha Murti served as the narrator and guided the audience through the story. The musical dimension of the production was elevated by vocalists Priyanka Gwal and Satvik Mishra, while instrumental support was provided by Suryakant Chaudhary on violin, Anugrah Singh on drums, Vishesh Singh on guitar, Rishabh Ashish Pathak on tabla and Derrick Aman James on keyboard.
The event was conducted by Aruna Gangwar. Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included SRMS Trust Founder and Chairman Dev Murti Ji, Asha Murti Ji, Aditya Murti Ji, Richa Murti Ji, Usha Gupta, Dr. Rajni Agrawal, Subhash Mehra, Dr. Prabhakar Gupta, Dr. Anuj Kumar, Dr. Shailesh Saxena, Dr. Ashish Kumar, Dr. Rita Sharma and several distinguished citizens of the city.
Report from Bareilly by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena.
