Mumbai 27 August : “Dilwale” Dulhania Le Jayenge’ (DDLJ) hitmaker and Yash Raj Films (YRF) director Aditya Chopra’s show ‘Come Falls In Love’ is scheduled to premiere at The Old Globe in Balboa Park, San Diego, California on the 14th of September.The musical according to its creators is an “celebration of inclusivity and diversity in the world that is becoming increasingly divided”.In an interview, Chopra explained at length the reasons behind the film.”I first thought of the plot of DDLJ (even before it was dubbed DDLJ) as an Hollywood love story of an white American man and an Indian woman.My primary goal at the time was to showcase Indian values and culture to a wider public,” he said.
“Years after, as I reimagine the story in an Broadway musical, my primary focus remains the same, showing Indian cultural traditions to a global audience.
The most effective method of describing the values and culture of a nation is to view it from the point of view of people who do not share the same values.This is the premise of “Come Fall in Love’ (CFIL), the story of Indian Simran and her heritage and culture from the perspective of American Roger,” Chopra added.
He said that CFIL was focusing on Simran.”It is the tale of Simran who is the Indian American,” Chopra pointed out.”She’s at the heart of the musical’s plot, as she struggles to reconcile her passion for Indian traditions and her family with her desire for Roger.He is an white American man who falls in the love with Simran and then becomes in deep love with the culture of her and country.He discovers a new kind of himself in India’s values, energy and lifestyle of living.”
CFIL According to a press release released by its creators is a landmark production for India and Indians.”For the first time an Indian director, Aditya Chopra, has made her debut on Broadway,” the statement stated.”It is also the first Bollywood musical to debut on Broadway.It features Vishal Dadlani as well as Sheykhar Ravijani as composers.Shruti Merchant will be performing in her debut Broadway musical as an associate choreographer.”
Chopra directs the cast of 30 actors, directed by Shoba Narayan (‘Simran’), a Bharatanatyam dancer and Broadway artist who was most famously the role of Princess Jasmine in the Broadway musical Aladdin and British actor Austin Colby, who essays the role of ‘Roger’ Mandel’.The group of creators are filled with Emmy and Tony award winners and nominees as well as Derek McLane (set design), Linda Cho (costumes), Japhy Wiedeman (lights) and Jessica Paz (sound).
Chopra made it clear that he did not intend to direct DDLJ to be staged for Broadway.”I’m adapting it to be “Come Fall In Love” to tell the tale of how important love is in uniting cultures, particularly in the present.The idea that DDLJ could be modified to show an image of different cultures being brought together in an epic tale that celebrates love and its power to unite everyone, inspires me to tears,” Chopra said.
He added: “For me, Austin Colby as Roger and Shoba Narayan as Simran are the ideal vehicles to communicate the message of cultural unity in an increasingly fractured world.”Come to Fall in Love’ isn’t just my heartfelt view of love in every shade’ as the musical’s closing credits put it, but also a joyous celebration of joy, community and acceptance in the midst of a divided and increasingly toxic society of intolerance.It’s also my heartfelt love letter to India and the Indian heritage that we take with all of us, wherever we happen to be.”
Chopra said: “In making a new DDLJ to suit a new time and a new audience I’ve strayed from certain elements of the movie that we love.However, I’m convinced that the heart of “Come Fall in Love’ is infused with everything essential in DDLJ even as it sings, talks and dances to this moment in an entirely different location and time.with hopes, enthusiasm and love.”
He said that DDLJ holds an enviable position in the heart of everyone Indians and expressed his desire that every Indian would be proud to know that the version of the cult film is set to be a Broadway hit.
(For The Old Globe run The Old Globe musical starts the show on September 1 until October 16 2022 with officially opening date on Wednesday September 14.)
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