Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram, a powerful dance-drama presentation by Urvashi Dance Music Art and Cultural Society in collaboration with Graphis Ads, captivated audiences at Delhi’s Kamani Auditorium on April 21. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, this 90-minute production brought together compelling storytelling, classical dance, music, and theatrical innovation to celebrate the timeless virtues of Lord Ram.

A Celebration With Notable Figures:

The evening witnessed the esteemed presence of several prominent dignitaries and cultural figures. Among them were Ms. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi; Mr. Satish Upadhyay, MLA; Mr. Anuj Sharma, MLA; Mr. Virendra Sachdeva, President of BJP Delhi; Mr. Kiran K. Kapila, Chairman, International Road Federation (IRF); Mr. Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman & Managing Director, HUDCO; Shri K.P. Mahadevaswamy, Chairman & Managing Director, NBCC; and Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs. The event also welcomed leading figures from the arts and cultural world including Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Uma Sharma, renowned Kathak exponents Geetanjali Lal, Guru Rajendra Gagnani, and Guru Shankaracharya Raj Rajeshwar from Haridwar. Also in attendance were Ved Tandon, Mr. Pawan Gupta, Founder and Director, PP Jewellers; Ms. Suman Gupta, Chairman of Badi Panchayat VaishBeesey Aggarwal Society; Mr. Mukesh Gupta, Graphis Ads; Mr. Vijay Goel, former Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Statistics & Programme Implementation; and Ms. Amita Prasad Sarbhai IRAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture.

Directed by noted classical dancer and cultural curator Dr. Rekha Mehra, the production traced the journey of Shri Ram not just as a divine figure, but as a symbol of righteousness and moral strength. “To honour Lord Ram is not merely to chant his name, but to incorporate his virtues of righteousness in our lives,” Dr. Mehra shared.

Empowering young Talent:

The production was distinguished by its inclusive and transformative casting — over half of the 60-member ensemble comprised economically underprivileged but immensely talented children, who were trained to share the stage with seasoned classical performers. This collaborative experience offered these young artists a platform to shine and gain invaluable exposure.

Choreography was a collaborative effort as well. Guru Ajay Bhatt, trained in the martial tradition of Chhau, choreographed select sequences, while Kathak dancer Aamrapali Bhandari contributed her expertise to others. The result was a vibrant mix of classical styles with theatrical dynamism.

Saroj Mohanty, a humble school music teacher with classical training, composed the score. His music stood out for its fresh and contemporary appeal—retaining classical roots while adding melodic accessibility. The soundtrack, recorded across two studios, featured standout vocals by Vidhi Sharma.

Visual Innovation:

Visually, the show broke new ground in dance-theatre presentation. Massive LED screens created a cinematic backdrop, while projections on auditorium walls gave the audience an almost virtual experience. Hydraulic platforms created a dynamic three-level stage, and even the orchestra pit was used creatively to introduce characters, adding a dramatic layer to the narrative. The climactic scene of Shri Ram’s return to Ayodhya was brought alive with life-like virtual fireworks, eliciting gasps and applause.

With its blend of tradition and innovation, Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram was not just a performance, but a moving and immersive tribute to a timeless epic. The production reinforced the enduring relevance of Ram’s story and values, while showcasing the transformative power of the performing arts in building community and nurturing talent.