JAYA! The Victory: The Mahabharata Reimagined as a Groundbreaking Rock Musical

The Primetime Theatre Co. presents "JAYA! THE VICTORY!", an ambitious and powerful theatrical production that brings the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, to the contemporary stage as a full-fledged rock musical. Produced and directed by the acclaimed theatre veteran Lillete Dubey, this production promises a visceral, modern, and universally resonant retelling of a timeless tale.

"JAYA!" is described as a rock opera in English that captures the major events of the epic through a dynamic fusion of song, music, dance, and martial arts. This isn't just a retelling; it's a deep philosophical exploration framed as “the Mahabharata for the 21st Century.”

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava brother, focusing on his profound "experiments with truth." The story contrasts his moral journey with the divergent worldviews of his adversaries: Duryodhana's relentless pursuit of power at any cost and Karna's tragic fatalism and belief in an unchangeable destiny.

With a runtime of 2 hours plus a 15-minute interval, the musical guides the audience through the epic's pivotal moments — from the opulence of Hastinapura's courts to the brutal battlefields of Kurukshetra, culminating in the Pandavas’ final journey to the Gates of Heaven.

The Creative Force: The Masterminds Behind the Epic

The creation of JAYA! is a collaboration of some of India's most distinguished artistic talents, led by the vision of its director and the legacy of its writer.

Lillete Dubey (Producer & Director)

A towering figure in Indian theatre, film, and television, Lillete Dubey is the driving force behind this production. She has been the Artistic Director of The Primetime Theatre Company for over 33 years, championing original Indian writing in English. Her career includes 35 plays and more than 3,500 shows worldwide, from London’s West End to Singapore and New York.

Audiences also know her for her memorable film roles in Monsoon Wedding, Kal Ho Naa Ho, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Zubeidaa. But theatre has always been her first love, and JAYA! shows her unmatched ability to blend tradition with innovation, making epics resonate with modern audiences.

Sandeep Kanjilal (Playwright & Lyricist)

The heart and soul of the musical’s script and lyrics come from the late Sandeep Kanjilal, an IIT Delhi alumnus and self-taught musician. He began writing rock operas in the late 1970s and spent two decades perfecting JAYA. It was first staged to acclaim in 1997, and today’s revival is built on his powerful foundation. Kanjilal passed away in 2003, but his words continue to inspire.

Ashutosh Phatak (Music Composer)

The “rock” in this rock musical is crafted by Ashutosh Phatak, one of India’s most prolific composers and co-founder of BlueFrog and The True School of Music. With over 15 albums, 4,000 TV commercials, and 10 feature films to his credit, his high-energy soundscape makes JAYA! pulse with modern rhythm while retaining its spiritual depth.

The Core Creative & Production Team

• Production Designer: Fali Unwalla — with 40+ years in theatre/film, he brings Hastinapura and Kurukshetra to life.

• Lighting Designer: Lynne Fernandez — India’s pioneering lighting designer and Nrityagram’s Executive Director.

• Vocal Coach: Suzanne D’Mello — Oscar & Grammy-winning vocalist ensuring world-class singing.

• Costume Designer: Pallavi Patel — Filmfare-nominated designer crafting regal, character-driven costumes.

• Action Choreographer: Arpit Singh — Kalaripayattu master bringing battle sequences alive.

• Sound Engineer: Arman Tejani — designing the immersive rock concert feel.

• Production Manager: Jignesh Karia — handling logistics of this massive stage show.

• Backstage Manager: Shashank Pallav — ensuring seamless execution night after night.
  

The Stellar Cast: Bringing Legends to Life

"JAYA!" features a highly talented cast of singers and actors who embody the iconic characters of the Mahabharata.

Tirthankar Poddar (2Blue) as Yudhishthira

A celebrated rock singer from Tripura, 2Blue left his corporate job to pursue music and has since shared the stage with legends from Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, and Dokken. Known for his raw, powerful voice, he earlier played Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Now, he steps into Yudhishthira’s shoes, bringing both gravitas and vulnerability to the role of the Pandava king.

Vikrant Chaturvedi as Duryodhana

With over 1,000 stage performances in both English and Hindi, Vikrant is a veteran of theatre, film, and dubbing. He has appeared in Bollywood productions, worked in international theatre, and is also a trained yogi and animal rights activist. His Duryodhana is complex: ambitious, fiery, and deeply human.

Varun Narayan as Karna

Best known for his role as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, Varun is an actor, singer, and voice artist. As Karna, he portrays the heartbreaking tragedy of a warrior bound by loyalty and fate, giving audiences a character who is both proud and sympathetic.

Megan Murray as Draupadi

A US-based singer-songwriter trained at The Musicians Institute, Los Angeles, Megan has lent her voice to Grammy-nominated albums. Her powerhouse vocals and strong stage presence bring depth to Draupadi, the fiery queen whose humiliation in court sparks the war."

Sherrin Varghese as Krishna

Known to millions as part of India’s first boy band A Band of Boys, Sherrin has released five albums and performed worldwide. As Krishna, he blends musical charisma with divine wisdom, turning the charioteer into both philosopher and rock star.

Asif Ali Beg as Shakuni

An actor, singer, and renowned voice coach, Asif has appeared in acclaimed series like Scam 1992 and Trial by Fire. He has voiced iconic Disney and Pixar films in Hindi. As Shakuni, he revels in the role of the scheming uncle, using his rich theatrical experience to embody manipulation itself.

Other Key Roles

• Sid Makkar & Danny Sura as Arjun — sharing the role of the legendary archer.

• Yuvraj Bajwa as Bhim — the mighty Pandava with unmatched strength.

• Ujjayinee Roy as Kunti — mother of the Pandavas, played with emotional complexity.

• Keshia & Sunayna Sarkar as Gandhari — the blindfolded queen, performed with gravitas.

• Shagun Trisal as Dhritarashtra — the blind king of Hastinapura.

• Mehmood Curmally as Bhishma — the grandsire, portrayed with passion by an Elvis tribute artist.

• Vernon D’Souza as Sanjaya — the narrator of the epic, guiding the blind king.

• Prince Ali Siddiqui as Dronacharya — the royal guru.
  

  

The ensemble — including Arush Pateria, Rushab, Rupesh Chouhan, Tanay Malhara, Farha, Chetna Dhyani, Jasmine Grover, Pihu, and Aarohi Sharma — add depth with their dance, movement, and portrayal of warriors like Abhimanyu and Dushasana.

About The Primetime Theatre Company

Founded in 1991, The Primetime Theatre Company has been a landmark institution in Indian theatre for over three decades. Its mission is to promote original Indian writing in English and showcase indigenous work to global audiences.

From Mahesh Dattani’s Dance Like a Man to 30 Days in September, Primetime has staged productions in New York, Toronto, Dubai, and Singapore. JAYA! THE VICTORY! continues this tradition, proving that Indian theatre can be both deeply rooted and globally innovative.

Why JAYA! is Unmissable

• 🎶 A fusion of rock music and mythology

• ⚔️ Martial arts choreography inspired by Kalaripayattu

• 🎭 Stellar acting from India’s best stage talents

• 🎟️ A production under Lillete Dubey, one of India’s greatest theatre directors
  

Show Details

📍 Venue: St. Andrews Auditorium, Bandra 📅 Dates: Saturday, 20th September & Sunday, 21st September 2025 🕢 Time: 7:30 PM (Daily) 🎟️ Tickets: Available on BookMyShow 📞 Block Bookings: +91 98929 42464 1. What is JAYA! A Rock Musical of the Mahabharata all about?

JAYA! is a modern stage adaptation of the Mahabharata presented as a rock musical in English. It combines live music, martial arts, and theatre to bring India’s greatest epic to life for a 21st-century audience.

2. Who are the lead actors in JAYA! The Victory?

The show stars Tirthankar Poddar (2Blue) as Yudhishthira, Megan Murray as Draupadi, Sherrin Varghese as Krishna, Vikrant Chaturvedi as Duryodhana, Varun Narayan as Karna, and Asif Ali Beg as Shakuni, along with a talented supporting cast.

3. Do I need to know the Mahabharata to enjoy this rock musical?

Not at all. JAYA! is written in a way that even audiences unfamiliar with the Mahabharata can enjoy and follow the story. It explains the relationships, conflicts, and philosophies while keeping the drama engaging and easy to understand.

4. How long is the JAYA! performance in Mumbai?

The musical runs for 2 hours plus a 15-minute interval, making it an evening-long experience filled with music, dance, and action.

5. Is JAYA! suitable for children and families?

Yes, JAYA! is a family-friendly musical. While younger children may enjoy the music and visuals, teenagers and adults will connect more deeply with its themes of truth, destiny, and morality.

6. Where can I book tickets for JAYA! A Rock Musical of the Mahabharata?

Tickets are available on BookMyShow. For group or block bookings, you can contact the organisers directly at +91 98929 42464.

7. Why is JAYA! considered unique compared to other Mahabharata adaptations?

Unlike traditional plays, JAYA! blends rock music, martial arts choreography, and English lyrics with mythology. Directed by Lillete Dubey, it’s designed to appeal to both Indian audiences and international theatre lovers.