In Pictures: Salim Merchant at launch of ‘Umrao Jaan Ada’ musical in London

One half of musical duo, Salim Sulaiman, Salim Merchant today attended the London press conference of the upcoming musical ‘Umrao Jaan Ada’.

It is the first time ever that the life of ‘Umrao Jaan’ will be showcased in a musical in theatre in London. It premieres on Wednesday 22nd January until Sunday 26th January 2020 at Sadler’s Well Theatre, London. Directed by Rajeev Goswami, ‘Umrao Jaan’ is produced by Gravity Zero Entertainment and Carpe Diem Promotions Ltd. The live music is composed by popular music maestro duo Salim-Sulaiman and the lyrics are penned by Irfan Siddiqui.

“It’s a dream to recreate this epic musical! There is a lot of effort that has gone into the little nuances to take our audiences back to the early 19th century. It’s been sheer joy to bring the sound of ghazal & thumri live on stage,” adds composer Salim Merchant.

Elated director Rajeev Goswami says, “As a director I couldn’t have asked for more! It wasn’t easy bringing back a story of the 19th century and making it look convincing to the audiences who today have the world at the tip of their fingers. Moreover, we adapted the book. So breaking it down to scenes topped with managing not just acting but live singing and live music. I loved every bit of this challenge.”

‘Umrao Jaan’ is a journey of a courtesan, a story of love and struggle that is immersed in culture and opulence with traditional ghazals, thumris and qawalis.