The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation

Witness the U.S. premiere of India’s largest theatrical production – ‘The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation’ – as a part of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre India Weekend. Following two phenomenal sold-out runs in Mumbai, the India-inspired narrative – conceived, written and directed by Feroz Abbas Khan – will be staged in New York for the very first time! 

The larger-than-life production blends music, dance, drama, and other diverse art forms from across India to pay tribute to the country’s cultural journey through millennia, finally expressing itself as a nation and a constitutional democracy. Featuring breathtaking sets, stunning costumes, and a cast & crew of over 100 award-winning Indian and international talent. This show is woven together with a voice narration by the Indian cinema legend, Amitabh Bachchan. The sensory reverie captures the quintessential idea of India in all its diversity and inclusion.

This fall, experience an epic celebration of Indian culture on stage – designed to not only entertain all generations, but enthrall them with its glorious heritage.  

‘Captures the spirit of India’ – The Economic Times

‘A breathtaking performance!’ – The Indian Express

‘A spectacular tribute to the country's past, present and future’ – The Week

Artist Information

Feroz Abbas Khan 

Director

Feroz Abbas Khan is an internationally celebrated film & theatre director and screenwriter whose work uses the medium of television, radio, and the internet for social behaviour change and women empowerment.

His film ‘Gandhi My Father’, described by Nelson Mandela as “deeply moving and a rare achievement,” has won several national and international awards. ‘Mughal-E-Azam’, his blockbuster musical, and the more recent ‘Raunaq & Jassi’ – a reimagined version of Romeo and Juliet – along with ‘The Great Indian Musical: Civilization to Nation’ stand testimony to the creative genius of Prithvi Theatre’s first festival director. ‘Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon’, a television serial conceived and directed by him, has reached over 250 million people. Under his direction, some of India’s leading actors have delivered their finest performances.

Ajay-Atul 

Music

Known for their traditional but unconventional style of music creation, music composer duo and brothers Ajay and Atul Gogavale are amongst the most celebrated in Marathi as well as Hindi film industry. With their strong roots, vast musical knowledge, and dedication towards working with live orchestras, the creators are passionate about the raw beauty of acoustic sound in an era dominated by electronic music. With hits in films such as ‘Agneepath’, ‘Sairat’ and ‘Jogwa’, and over 65 accolades for music direction including the prestigious National Film Awards, the pair – also been featured in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list – has given Indian music a new lease of life.

Manish Malhotra 

Costume Design

Manish Malhotra is a celebrated Indian designer, luxury couturier, costume stylist, entrepreneur, and revivalist. Since founding his brand in 2005, he has continuously redefined Indian couture, merging cultural heritage with contemporary elegance. He introduced the ‘showstopper’ concept to Indian runways and reimagined bridal couture with a modern twist – garnering a loyal following among royalty, film stars, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. From intricate bridal wear to avant-garde haute couture, Manish Malhotra’s creations are synonymous with opulence, elegance, and innovation. Last year, Manish expanded his creative vision by launching his High Jewellery vertical, establishing his influence beyond couture. His works have been showcased at prestigious venues like the Philadelphia Museum, where he paid tribute to Phulkari. Having styled costumes for over 800 films in a 35-year career spanning four generations of actors, he has earned more than 55 awards. Manish Malhotra continues to bridge Indian artistry with global luxury, shaping the future of fashion with each creation.

Mayuri Upadhya

Lead Choreographer

A renowned danseuse and choreographer, Mayuri is the artistic director of ‘Nritarutya’, a premier Indian contemporary dance company based in Bengaluru. She has showcased her magic onstage in the epic musical Mughal-e-Azam, which earned her the Best Choreographer award from Broadway World Regional. She also won the bronze medal for choreography while representing India at the International Competition for Choreography Concept in South Korea.

Vaibhavi Merchant

Guest Choreographer

National award-winning film choreographer and Indian classical dancer Vaibhavi Merchant has had an illustrious career spanning more than 25 years, in which she has choreographed over 300 songs in 150 films. Her work has spanned landmark Indian movies like ‘Lagaan’, which was recognized with the American Choreography award, and her latest work on the chartbusting hit Besharam Rang from the movie ‘Pathaan’.

Samir & Arsh Tanna 

Choreographers

Samir and Arsh Tanna – the award-winning choreographer duo – are known for iconic Bollywood songs like Dholi Taro Dhol Baje (‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’), for which they received the National Award. Their body of work includes Nagada Sang Dhol, Lahu Muh Lag Gaya, Bhai Bhai (‘Ram-Leela’), and Udi Udi Jaye (‘Raees’). They also received the Gujarat State Award for their choreography in the National Award-winning film ‘Hellaro & Aum Mangalam’. They have choreographed for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vibrant Gujarat, and were honoured by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for their contribution to Indian arts and culture.

Donald Holder

Lighting Design

Donald Holder has worked extensively in theatre, opera, dance, film and television lighting in the United States and abroad for over 30 years. He has designed 62 Broadway productions and has been nominated for fourteen Tony awards – winning the Tony for Best Lighting Design for ‘The Lion King’ in 1998, and for the 2008 revival of ‘South Pacific’.

Neil Patel

Production Design

Neil Patel is known for his award-winning designs for Broadway, the West End and opera houses across the world. He began his work as a production designer with HBO's Peabody Award-winning ‘In Treatment’, going on to deliver other stand-out projects like ‘The Path’ for Hulu, ‘Dickinson’ for Apple TV+, ‘Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin’ for HBOMax, ‘King Shaka’ for Showtime and numerous feature films, commercials and music videos shot in the US, India, Spain, Italy and South Africa.

Gareth Owen

Sound Design

Gareth Owen is a sound designer whose 25-year career spans over 300 productions. A 12-time Tony and Olivier Award winner or nominee, his acclaimed work includes ‘MJ’, ‘Come From Away’, ‘Memphis’, and ‘Merrily We Roll Along’. Recent Broadway and West End highlights include ‘& Juliet’, ‘BOOP!’, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, ‘Tommy,’ ‘Back to the Future’, ‘Elf’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Starlight Express’, and ‘Just for One Day’.

John Narun

Projection Design

Projection designer John Narun has worked on several musicals on and off Broadway and has earned Primetime Emmy and Drama Desk nominations, among other accolades. Outside of theatre, his visuals have shared the concert stage with Madonna, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and the Spice Girls. John also teaches Projection Design at Rutgers University.

Renuka Pillai

Makeup Design

Renuka Pillai is a transformational makeup artist, certified by Cinema Makeup School, LA, and trained at London Film Academy and under Patrick Cameron. Known for ‘Sarbjit’, ‘Veer Savarkar’, and the biopic ‘NTR: Kathanayakudu’, she also designed for over 1000 shows of ‘Zangoora’ and ‘Jhumru’. Her visionary work in prosthetics and special effects brings characters to life with stunning realism.