Classic Indian romance Devdas’ musical adaptation to make world premiere in Singapore

Classic Indian romance Devdas – The Musical will hold its world premiere at the Esplanade Theatres from Apr 21 to 23.

Performed for one weekend only, the musical is a Broadway-style adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novella of the same name. 

Devdas is an Indian literary romance classic that tells the story of star-crossed lovers Devdas and Paro, whose childhood friendship slowly blossomed as both began gaining romantic feelings for one another. 

Conflict arises when their romance is disapproved of by their families, and the couple would have to undergo several circumstances that challenge their love.

It has also been adapted several times before, most notably as a Bollywood blockbuster movie in 2002 starring Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

With the premiere of Devdas – The Musical in Singapore, Indian live theatre producer AGP World, TV channel Zee TV APAC and event management company Arte Compass aim to bring the classic to life with well-known Bollywood actors such as Sunil Kumar Palwal, Aanchal Chauha and Bhavna Pani.

The musical uses elaborate set designs recreating how India’s former capital, Calcutta, looked back in the early 1900s. Choreography will consist of a fusion of Indian classical dance and contemporary dance styles.

The songs featured in the musical would include those from the original score of the 2002 Bollywood movie of the same name, as well as new melodies like Woh Zindagi Hi Kya and original soundtracks sung by prominent Bollywood singers such as Shaan, Kailash Kher and Alka Yagnik.

Devdas – The Musical will be performed four times in Singapore. Two shows will be done in Hindi with English subtitles, while the other two will be done in English with Mandarin subtitles.

Tickets are available for purchase on SISTIC, with prices ranging from $58 to $258.