Aadyam Theatre, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Group focused on storytelling, is bringing its most expansive and musically vibrant production, The Dragon Rose Project’s Mumbai Star—a lively dance musical—back to the city it’s named after. Following a highly successful initial run in Mumbai, the show is returning to the city of dreams due to overwhelming audience demand. In addition to its scheduled performances on July 12th and 13th, 2025, at the prestigious Jamshed Bhabha Theatre and Tata Theatre at NCPA, a new show has been added on July 11th, 2025, to meet the growing enthusiasm for this season’s visual masterpiece.
Written by Devika Shahani, the production is directed by Nadir Khan and choreographed by Avantika Bahl, with contributions from guest choreographers like Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Vidushi Uma Dogra, Krutika Mehta, and Vivaran Dhasman. The dance musical is held together by its precise choreography, captivating performances, stunning stage design, and the transformative power of music that tells a story of dreams, resilience, and fate.
The story centers on Dev, a passionate dancer from a small coastal town in Maharashtra, who arrives in Mumbai with nothing but his mother’s dream and a fierce determination to succeed. He auditions for Mumbai Star, a dance competition that could change his life forever. The spotlight brings him into a whirlwind of fame, bright lights, and heartbreak. At this pivotal moment, he forms a deep connection with his mentor, who becomes his moral guide.
The musical score, composed by Dhruv Ghanekar with lyrics by Ishitta Arun, features a 19-track original album that blends diverse genres, playing a key role at every turn of the story. From orchestral overtures and folk percussion to hip-hop and heartfelt ballads, the album features performances by renowned artists such as Sunidhi Chauhan, Kunal Ganjawala, Nakash Aziz, Stony Psyko, and Ravi Chary. Their music brings the stage to life, complemented by dynamic dance sequences performed with precision, emotion, and theatrical brilliance by a talented ensemble.
The cast boasts an impressive lineup, including Avenav Mukherjee, Abhishek Choksi, Arushi Nigam, and Jayesh Sarange, with associate choreographer Surabhi Andrade and others. Rajit Kapur and Srishti Srivastava provide a compelling narrative framework as narrators, guiding the audience through the unfolding story.
Devika Shahani, the producer and original writer, shared, “The opening of ‘Mumbai Star’ with Aadyam Theatre this season has been thrilling! Originally commissioned by Min-On, a foundation founded by my mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, this show was created to explore the mentor-disciple relationship through dance and music. This incredible team has brought the story to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’m excited to continue this journey with Mumbai Star, supported by Aadyam Theatre, as we return to Mumbai, where the show was first built.”
Nadir Khan, Director of Mumbai Star and Co-Programming Consultant for Aadyam Theatre’s seventh season, added, “Recognizing dance as a vital part of the performing arts is a fantastic addition to Aadyam Theatre’s offerings. We hope this step opens up new opportunities for the dance industry to innovate, grow, and contribute to the rich and diverse world of performing arts we cherish. We’re thrilled that the response to Mumbai Star’s opening weekend was so overwhelming that Aadyam Theatre decided to add an extra show for our return to Mumbai in July at the NCPA. The show is high-quality, approachable, joyful, and exhilarating. It honors tradition while proudly showcasing Modern India’s unique identity. It’s a simple story told with heart and energy, woven into a captivating theatrical narrative that blends music, dance, movement, and theatre. It’s a perfect evening out for everyone, including children!”
Initially produced by the Min-On Concert Association in Tokyo, Japan, with The Dragon Rose Project staging the show, Mumbai Star is a musical tribute to the nurturing spirit of Mumbai—a city of chaos, contrasts, and beauty that draws thousands of dreamers.
Aadyam Theatre has always supported bold and original Indian voices. In its seventh season, it continues to push creative boundaries with curated theatrical experiences that are immersive, unforgettable, and deeply rooted in contemporary culture. With its second Mumbai run, Mumbai Star will once again showcase a spectacle filled with rhythm, energy, and a deep respect for one of its central characters—the city itself.
